BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to aquatic nuisance species; amending RCW 77.12.020; and adding a new chapter to Title 75 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The aquatic nuisance species committee is created for the purpose of fostering state, federal, tribal, and private cooperation on aquatic nuisance species issues. The mission of the committee is to minimize the unauthorized or accidental introduction of nonnative aquatic species and give special emphasis to preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species. The term "aquatic nuisance species" means a nonnative aquatic plant or animal species that threatens the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on such waters.

(2) The committee consists of representatives from each of the following state agencies: Department of fish and wildlife, department of ecology, department of agriculture, department of health, department of natural resources, Puget Sound water quality action team, state patrol, state noxious weed control board, and Washington sea grant program. The committee shall encourage and solicit participation by: Federally recognized tribes of Washington, federal agencies, Washington conservation organizations, and representatives from industries that may either be affected by the introduction of an aquatic nuisance species or that may serve as a pathway for their introduction.

(3) The committee has the following duties:

(a) Periodically revise the state of Washington aquatic nuisance species management plan, originally published in June 1998;

(b) Recommend to the fish and wildlife commission that an animal be classified by the commission as an aquatic nuisance species;

(c) Recommend to the state noxious weed control board that a plant be classified under the process designated by RCW 17.10.080 as an aquatic noxious weed;

(d) Coordinate education, research, regulatory authorities, monitoring and control programs, and participate in regional and national efforts regarding aquatic nuisance species;

(e) Consult with representatives from industries and other activities that may serve as a pathway for the introduction of aquatic nuisance species to develop practical strategies that will minimize the risk of new introductions; and

(f) Prepare a biennial report to the legislature with the first report due by December 1, 2001, making recommendations for better accomplishing the purposes of this chapter, and listing the accomplishments of this chapter to date.

(4) The committee shall accomplish its duties through the authority and cooperation of its member agencies. Implementation of all plans and programs developed by the committee shall be through the member agencies and other cooperating organizations.

Sec. 2. RCW 77.12.020 and 1994 c 264 s 53 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director shall investigate the habits and distribution of the various species of wildlife native to or adaptable to the habitats of the state. The commission shall determine whether a species should be managed by the department and, if so, classify it under this section.

(2) The commission may classify by rule wild animals as game animals and game animals as fur-bearing animals.

(3) The commission may classify by rule wild birds as game birds or predatory birds. All wild birds not otherwise classified are protected wildlife.

(4) In addition to those species listed in RCW 77.08.020, the commission may classify by rule as game fish other species of the class Osteichthyes that are commonly found in fresh water except those classified as food fish by the director.

(5) The director may recommend to the commission that a species of wildlife should not be hunted or fished. The commission may designate species of wildlife as protected.

(6) If the director determines that a species of wildlife is seriously threatened with extinction in the state of Washington, the director may request its designation as an endangered species. The commission may designate an endangered species.

(7) If the director determines that a species of the animal kingdom, not native to Washington, is dangerous to the environment or wildlife of the state, the director may request its designation as deleterious exotic wildlife. The commission may designate deleterious exotic wildlife.

(8) The commission may classify aquatic nuisance species either (a) if the director determines that an aquatic animal species that is not native to Washington threatens the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on such waters, then the director may request its classification as an aquatic nuisance species; or (b) upon recommendation of the aquatic nuisance species committee, created in section 1 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. Section 1 of this act constitutes a new chapter in Title 75 RCW.