SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6080
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 20, 2014
Title: An act relating to a fishing line or monofilament recycling pilot program.
Brief Description: Concerning a fishing line or monofilament recycling pilot program.
Sponsors: Senators Mullet, Ericksen, Rolfes, Conway and Kline.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Telecommunications: 1/21/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS |
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
Background: Plastic and synthetic materials are the most common types of marine debris. Sources of marine debris include litter, sewage, garbage, and fishing lines, nets, and other gear. Most fishing line used today is monofilament because it is strong and flexible. Monofilament is a single-strand, high-density nylon fishing line that is used on fishing reels and in the manufacturing of fishing nets. Most monofilament is not biodegradable and can remain in the environment between 500 and 600 years.
Monofilament fishing line left in the environment may cause damage to boat propellers, and harm birds and animals. Because monofilament is thin and often clear, it is difficult for birds and animals to see. Once animals become entangled, they may become injured, drown, become strangled, or starve to death. Many animals also ingest fishing line.
Several states have voluntary monofilament recycling programs. These programs provide containers for monofilament recycling and educational materials about monofilament, collection, recycling, and benefits of the program. Through these programs, collected monofilament is reprocessed with other post-consumer materials such as milk cartons and soft drink bottles into fish habitat structures.
Summary of Bill: The Department of Fish and Wildlife (department) must establish a pilot program for recycling fishing line or monofilament. The pilot program must coordinate statewide collection of fishing line or monofilament. The department may work with other state agencies and interested parties to regularly monitor collection bins and remove monofilament for recycling. The department may encourage volunteer participation in the program.
The program must include indoor and outdoor collection bins at fishing areas, boat ramps, and other interested locations. At each collection site, the department must provide signage explaining the benefits of recycling monofilament.
By December 1, 2016, the department must submit a report to the Legislature on:
coordination between the department, other agencies, and interested parties;
collection point locations;
data on monofilament, including the amount collected by weight or another reasonable measurement;
department or program partners' efforts on community outreach or education efforts on monofilament recycling;
plans to establish a permanent monofilament recycling program, including legislative action items; and
estimated costs and resources to implement a permanent monofilament recycling program.
The pilot program expires December 31, 2016.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2014.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.