SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5567

As of February 8, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the regulation of marine fin fish aquaculture by the department of fish and wildlife.

Brief Description:  Regulating marine fin fish aquaculture.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/15/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Background:  The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Fisheries share the responsibility for authority over fin fish aquaculture in the state of Washington.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife has regulatory authority over aquaculture in matters related to disease control only. 

Summary of Bill:  The authority over marine fin fish aquaculture is given to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The department is given rulemaking authority to prevent escapes of species, methods to recapture species, the authority to approve species and stocks of fin fish for propagation, the eradication procedures for escapees found in the wild, the development of a code or practice within the industry, the development of a salmon watch program similar to the one in British Columbia and the development of an education program.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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