SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5533

BYSenators Rasmussen, Hansen, Vognild, Patterson, Thorsness, Conner, Metcalf, Benitz, Saling and Nelson

Authorizing the removal or destruction of seals and sea lions preying upon salmon or steelhead.

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:John Korvell (786-7473)

                  February 7, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 6, 1989

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 the 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 mammals that reduce the state's salmon and/or steelhead populations.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Clarifies "mammals" that can be removed or destroyed as "non-endangered marine mammals."

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 2, 1989

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