SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2293
As of February 15, 2024
Title: An act relating to studying the effects of avian predation of salmon.
Brief Description: Studying the effects of avian predation of salmon.
Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Wilcox, Chapman, Kretz, Dent, Barkis and Barnard).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/24, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 2/15/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates an Avian Salmon Predation Work Group to identify avian species contributing to predation of threatened and endangered juvenile salmon and identify remedies.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
Background:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) acts to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage Washington's wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish. DFW must conserve fish and wildlife resources in a manner seeking to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the state's fishery resources. Several species of salmon are listed as either threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).  

The ESA, administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), regulates protections for threatened and endangered species.  The USFWS is primarily responsible for terrestrial and freshwater species, while the NMFS is primarily responsible for marine wildlife and anadromous fish.  
Summary of Bill:

DFW must convene an Avian Salmon Predation Work Group (Work Group).  The Work Group is required to identify all avian species that predate on juvenile salmon, determine whether those species are adversely impacting the recovery of any threatened or endangered salmon, and identify remedies.  The Work Group is required to report to the Legislature and DFW by June 30, 2025.  The Work Group expires on July 1, 2026.

 

The Work Group consists of:

  • five members from federally recognized Indian tribes with fishing rights in Washington;
  • one member each from the:  DFW; USFWS; United States Army Corps of Engineers; NMFS West Coast Region; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; and Puget Sound Partnership;
  • two members each representing:  recreational fishers; and commercial fishers; and
  • one member each representing:  a salmon conservation organization; and an avian conservation organization.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.