Washington State Legislation | SB5330 and SB5306
The Washington legislative session has begun, and coming up on Thursday, February 4, 2021 there is a hearing to address multiple proposed bills including two regarding the endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs).
Both bills, SB5306 and SB5330, are open to public comment and will close on Thursday, Feb. 4th 2021 at 1:30pm (PST).
In order to submit a comment you must be a resident of the United States and follow the instructions listed below...
SB5306 - Salmon Recovery
GO TO: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5306.pdf?q=20210202171445
What is it? SB5306 is an amendment and reenactment of several existing RCWs and seeks to expand salmon habitat protections and restoration.
This bill identifies that salmon recovery efforts have been vital in the recovery of some species as well as slow the decline of other species and notes that more work needs to be done at state and local level to further the restoration of habitats.
The rapidly increasing population creates a demand for land development which can diminish vital habitats and increase pollution entering waterways which threatens the already declining salmon population.
SB5306 seeks to strengthen policies and regulations regarding salmon conservation by enacting guidelines for the preservation and enhancement of anadromous fisheries.
Yes - Orca Conservancy supports SB5306
Talking Points:
1. There is a direct correlation between the decline of the salmon population to the decline of of the SRKWs.
The main food source of SRKWs is Chinook Salmon, most of which are threatened and on the decline. Chinook salmon are especially sensitive to pollution from stormwater runoff which can be lethal to salmon.
2. Expanding habitat protection and restoration will aid in recovery efforts by preserving or maintaining native vegetation that helps filter hazardous runoff from entering waterways.
3. By implementing increased protections and restorations of vital waterways we can increase the chance of salmon survival and spawning.
4. Water temperatures are rising which threatens the growth and development of salmon. Water temperatures that exceed certain levels can be lethal to salmon and further threaten their recovery.
5. Preserving and restoring habitat with riparians will help shade waterways to keep water cool while fallen branches and leaves create a suitable habitat for salmon.
6. Salmon plays an important role in the ecosystem which includes feeding an array of wildlife (orcas, eagles, bears etc.), decaying carcasses after spawning provides valuable nutrients to local forests.
7. The loss of wild salmon is hurting the local economy. The combination of commercial and private fishing has generated billions of dollars annually. Money generated from fishing licenses helps fund public services, conservation, park services and management and enforcement. By not conserving vital salmon habitat we risk further decline or loss of these industries which means a bigger loss to the local economy.
8. The increasing human population and development threatens vital salmon habitat. Development along coastal areas can increase erosion leaving beaches inhospitable to salmon and their prey, while development on land around streams causes the removal of trees and native vegetation that filter pollution and provide shade.
This bill will help set precedents for development by preserving vital habitat to salmon.
Leave a comment for SB5306 at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5306
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SB5330 - Whale Watch License
GO TO: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5330.pdf?q=20210202171812
What is it? SB5330 is a bill regarding the commercial whale watching license program.
This bill will amend RCW 77.65.615 bill that was passed in December requiring a licensing program for commercial whale watching.
Currently the whale watch licensing program requires all commercial whale watch companies, kayak outfitters, charter vessels, and sailboats that take guests to view marine mammals to pay expensive annual application and licensing fees in order to operate their business.
SB5330 seeks to amend the current licensing program by requiring the license only if they choose to view the endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs).
This means that any commercial whale watch company who elects not to view the SRKWs will not be required to apply and pay for a license and may continue to view other marine life.
Yes - Orca Conservancy supports SB5330
Talking Points:
1. Local commercial whale watch operators play a crucial role in the enforcement of Washington State boater laws (Whale Wise guidelines) as well as contribute to research, education and conservation.
2. Local commercial whale watch companies voluntarily adhere to some of the most strict guidelines in the world and work directly with scientists to limit their impact on marine life.
3. Commercial whale watch businesses are already suffering financial loss due to the ongoing Covid19 pandemic. The proposed modification to the licensing program gives businesses the option to choose whether or not they are financially able and or willing to participate in this program.
4. The financial hardships many local commercial whale watch companies face due to Covid restrictions will be amplified by a required licensing system and could threaten some small businesses to go out of business.
5. The loss of local whale watch operators means the loss of invaluable research, education and conservation as well as regulation of other vessel traffic.
6. In addition to the application and license fees, the license program requires all vessels to have an Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) on each vessel which will accrue additional costs ranging from hundreds to thousands for purchasing and installation of equipment.
7. The licensing program seeks to protect the endangered SRKW population by limiting vessel noise and disturbance by restricting commercial whale watching. However this program fails to address the remaining noise pollution caused by private boaters, cruise ships, cargo traffic, ferries, military vessels and more.
8. The amendment to the licensing program will achieve the desired result of reducing vessel traffic by allowing companies to elect in participation of viewing endangered SRKWs or opting to only view other wildlife including pinnipeds, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales, and transient killer whales.
Opponents of SB5330 claim this bill will be impossible to enforce, however the current licensing program as written already imposes major challenges for regulating and enforcing.
Leave a comment for SB5330 at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5330