SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5678

                    As of February 9, 1999

Title:  An act relating to planting of geoduck beds on state aquatic lands.

Brief Description:  Creating a pilot program to test planting geoducks on state aquatic lands.

Sponsors:  Senators B. Sheldon, Oke, T. Sheldon and Snyder.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/18/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  Many state aquatic lands may be capable of supporting larger geoduck populations.  New methods of raising geoducks are being developed and some believe a pilot project would assist utilization of these methods.

Summary of Bill:  A five-year pilot program to test the effectiveness of planting geoducks is authorized.  The goal of the project is to determine whether harvestable levels may be propagated more efficiently than through natural means.  The program takes place on state aquatic lands.  The state may contract with licensed harvesters for assistance in seeding and monitoring.

A report on the progress of the program must be provided to the Legislature by December 31, 2005.

Appropriation:  $1,200,000.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 5, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.