SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5122

BYSenators 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 4, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 4, 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 shall make the sites available for lease.

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 Department shall establish an aquaculture siting dispute resolution process.  Agreement between aquaculture applicants and local residents can result in less stringent siting requirements than those imposed by state and local government entities.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Department of Natural Resources may make suitable salmon pen aquaculture sites available for lease.  The Parks and Recreation Commission and local government entities are added to the interested parties which the Department will consult on the suitability of salmon pen aquaculture sites.  The section creating a dispute resolution process is removed from the bill.

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