SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2892
BYHouse Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife (originally sponsored by Representatives R. King, Bowman, Sayan and Basich)
Creating a floating marine fin fish task force.
House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife
Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1990
Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)
AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 1990
BACKGROUND:
Aquaculture has long been a component of Washington's marine economy. Oyster cultivation has occurred in sheltered bays since before statehood, and a variety of additional marine species have been cultured, including clams, seaweed, geoducks, and salmon.
While opposition to aquaculture was minimal in its early years, beginning in the 1970s new aquaculture projects in Puget Sound often encountered varying levels of opposition from adjacent landowners, environmentalists, commercial fishermen, and others. Proposals to harvest geoducks, clams, mussels and seaweed were the focus of attention in the early 1980s, and floating salmon net pens have been the center of controversy in the mid to late 1980s.
The salmon net pen controversy has centered on: the effect of salmon net pen projects on surrounding marine life; the aesthetic impacts of net pen facilities; the potential for introducing diseases and competition that might impact resident fish populations; and the increased market competition created by net pen salmon for commercial fishermen.
The siting of an aquaculture project usually requires a lease from the Department of Natural Resources, a permit from the Department of Fisheries, a discharge permit from the Department of Ecology, and a Shoreline Management Substantial Development permit from the affected local government. The shoreline permit process also involves the Department of Ecology and, as has often been the case, the Shorelines Hearings Board. In addition, the Department of Agriculture has been instructed by the Legislature to promote aquaculture products.
Several attempts have been made to resolve the controversy swirling around salmon net pens. After completing a study on the impacts of fish and shellfish culture on the aquatic environment, in 1986 state resource agencies and the Department of Agriculture developed interim guidelines for the siting of salmon net pens. These guidelines were never formally adopted. In addition, a study on the aesthetic impacts of aquaculture was prepared in 1986, the Department of Ecology completed a study of use conflicts in December 1988, and the Department of Fisheries plans to release an Environmental Impact Statement on finfish culture in early February 1990. Lastly, the Department of Natural Resources recently indicated that it plans to bring together interested parties in an attempt to resolve outstanding aquaculture siting issues.
SUMMARY:
The Floating Marine Finfish Task Force is created. The task force shall provide the Legislature, state agencies, and local jurisdictions with recommendations on siting net pen projects in marine waters of the state, while minimizing or eliminating adverse biological effects and conflicts with other uses and activities.
The task force shall include one member from the following entities: Departments of Natural Resources, Ecology, Fisheries, and Agriculture; University of Washington; counties; marine finfish growers; environmentalists; shoreline property owners; Indian tribes; marine sport anglers; and the commercial fishing industry. Procedures for selecting representatives are provided.
The task force shall be coordinated and chaired by the Department of Natural Resources. The department is required to use a collaborative process that is fair to all interests, and shall attempt to reach outcomes supported by all parties.
The task force is directed to prepare an action plan that includes recommended changes in law, regulation, policy, and procedures. In preparing the action plan, opportunities for public participation must be provided.
The action plan is to be presented to the Legislature, Governor, state agency directors, and local governments by November 15, 1990. The task force shall expire on June 30, 1991.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested February 2, 1990