SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5533

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Hansen, Vognild, Patterson, Thorsness, Conner, Metcalf, Benitz, Saling and Nelson)

Protecting salmon and steelhead resources from nonendangered marine mammals.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5533 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Owen.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  February 2, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Marine mammals are protected by the Magnuson Act.  Some have flourished under this act to such a degree that they are now threatening foodfish, shellfish and game fish resources.  Seals and sea lions are doing just this around the Ballard/Lake Washington Locks and Port Townsend shellfish beds.  The act allows appropriate action to be taken by a state to solve such problems.

Relevant state departments need to be empowered to take necessary action to protect the fish from marine mammals.

SUMMARY:

Both the Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife are empowered to remove or destroy nonendangered marine mammals that reduce the state's salmon and/or steelhead populations.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Senator Slim Rasmussen; Bill Jones; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters Association; AGAINST:  Barry Jenkins; Ben Deeble (Greenpeace Action); Loren Stern, WDF); Robert Byrne, WDW