SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5122

BYSenate Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, DeJarnatt and Stratton)

Providing for a demonstration and study of salmon pen aquaculture.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1987; February 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5122 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Conner, Craswell, McDonald, Patterson, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  February 27, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Pen culture of salmon in marine waters is a promising new industry for Washington State.  The siting of pens raises concerns over environmental degradation and loss of aesthetic values.  More information is needed to properly assess environmental effects of salmon pen culture and to determine if there are suitable sites that do not offend shoreline residents and other persons interested in the marine environment.

The establishment of demonstration and study salmon pen aquaculture projects will allow the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Ecology, and the aquaculture industry to assess the feasibility and potential problems of salmon pen aquaculture.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Natural Resources is required to identify sites that are environmentally and aesthetically acceptable for salmon pen culture, and they may make the sites available for lease to aquaculturists.

The Department is authorized to lease up to ten demonstration and study salmon aquaculture leases for the purpose of studying the effects of salmon pen culture.  The study sites shall represent a wide range of natural conditions and shall be closely monitored by state agencies.

The authority of local and state agencies over land use and shoreline management permits is not altered.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Cleve Pinnix, Dept. of Natural Resources; Dan Swecker, Washington Fish Growers Association; John Woodring, Washington Fish Growers Association; Lee Bonacker, Washington Aquaculture Council; John Pitts, Dept. of Agriculture; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters; Dirk Nansen, Washington Fish Growers Association; Ed McCleary, Washington Aquaculture Council; Jon Lindbergh, Aquaculture Consultant