Introduced by Sen. Bob Oke (R) on January 15, 2002, to provide for the recovery of lost and abandoned fishing gear. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Northwest Straits Commission, and other interested parties, must publish guidelines for the safe removal and disposal of derelict gear. No hydraulic project approval is required for gear removed according to the guidelines. The DFW also must create a database of known derelict gear. Commercial fishers are encouraged to report the loss of gear to the DFW.
Referred to the Senate Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines Committee on January 15, 2002.
Substitute offered to the Senate Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines Committee on February 1, 2002. The substitute passed in the Senate by voice vote on February 1, 2002.
Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on February 4, 2002.