CCA would like to recognize the following legislators for their important work on addressing the problem of derelict fishing gear in our marine environment.
Derelict Commercial Fishing Nets, or ‘ghost nets”
District 34 Legislators, Senator Sharon Nelson and Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, introduced companion legislation (SB 5661 / HB 1717) that would require the mandatory reporting of lost or abandoned fishing nets within 48 hours. As you may know, the Northwest Straits Initiative has removed approximated 3,800 nets from Puget Sound since 2001 and estimates that more than 900 nets remain. These nets kill more than 800,000 animals annually (including ESA listed rockfish and salmon species) and inflict serious damage on key habitat.
Current state law merely “encourages” this reporting and with only two nets reported since 2003 it is clear that current law has failed (dozens of nets are lost annually). Timely mandatory reporting would aid removal efforts and serve as a first step towards establishing a long-term reporting and removal strategy. Finally, CCA member Bear Holmes, a 34th District Constituent, worked closely on the legislation with CCA and his elected officials.
Senator Sharon Nelson (D)
Senator Nelson is the prime sponsor of SB 5661
Senator Nelson, District 34 (Burien, North Highline, Vashon & Maury Islands and West Seattle). Senator Nelson is serving her first term in the Senate. She had previously served two terms in the House of Representatives. She is the Vice-Chair of the Senate Environment, Water and Energy Committee.
CCA appreciates Senator Nelson for her leadership on this important issue before the Senate.
Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D)
Representative Fitzgibbon is the prime sponsor of HB 1717
Representative Fitzgibbon is a first term freshman legislator representing the 34th District as well. Much like his Senate colleague, Representative Fitzgibbon sits on the House Environment Committee.
CCA commends Representative for his leadership on this important issue before the House.
Removing Derelict Puget Sound Crab Pots
District 23 Representative Christine Rolfes seeks to rid Puget Sound of derelict crab pots. Representative Rolfes has been fighting to clean-up derelict crab pots in Puget Sound for the past two legislative sessions. Last year she sponsored SHB 2593 that provided some initial seed money to begin identifying and removing derelict pots. This year she has been working with WDFW and CCA to help identify a permanent funding source to support removal efforts.
Using WDFW data, the Northwest Straits Initiative estimates that over 12,000 crab pots are lost in Puget Sound annually (3,600 commercial, 8,600 recreational). These pots continue to actively catch and kill Dungeness crab anywhere from 90 days to 2 years, depending on the use of proper rot cords. These pots have a significant impact on the health of the crab resource in Puget Sound.
Representative Christine Rolfes (D)
Representative Rolfes is serving her third term in the House. First elected in 2006, she represents the 23rd District (north Kitsap peninsula). She has been an avid CCA supporter and attended the Kitsap Chapter CCA Banquet last year.
Representative Rolfes is Vice Chair of the House Environment Committee and sits on the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee.
CCA would like to recognize Representative Rolfes for her dedication to marine conservation issues.
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