Reducing escape of nonnative finfish from marine finfish aquaculture facilities.
Summary
Prohibits the Department of Natural Resources from issuing or renewing any leases, or otherwise authorizing the use of state-owned aquatic lands for the purpose of nonnative finfish aquaculture.
Prohibits the Department of Ecology, under its water pollution control authority, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife from authorizing or permitting any activities related to nonnative finfish aquaculture after the expiration date of existing lands leases.
Directs the departments of Ecology, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Fish and Wildlife, in consultation with a variety of other entities, to update existing guidance and resources on planning for and permitting commercial marine net pen aquaculture.
Requires any marine finfish aquaculture facility permitted by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to be inspected by a marine engineering firm periodically.
Specifies that separation from employment that results from the lease and permitting prohibitions is a qualifying event for the purpose of dislocated worker eligibility.
From the Engrossed House Bill Report (EHB 2957), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
Enacted (partial veto)Enacted with partial veto · Chapter 179, Laws of 2018