Tag Archives: environment

Sen. Muzzall’s bill supporting Puget Sound shrimp fisheries, phasing out trawling, signed into law

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall to support Washington’s commercial shrimp industry while addressing environmental concerns associated with trawling was signed into law today. Senate Bill 5076 creates a new limited-entry license for the nonspot shrimp pot fishery in Puget Sound, marking a significant shift toward more sustainable fishing practices.

SB 5076 establishes a dedicated license for harvesting nonspot shrimp species such as dock shrimp, coonstripe shrimp, pink shrimp and others, using pot gear instead of trawl nets. The new license is intended to support small-scale fishers, ensure sustainable harvests, and improve coordination with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“This legislation is about supporting our local fishing communities while also being honest about the impact of our practices on the marine environment,” said Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor. “Trawling can have real, detrimental effects on the seabed and other marine life. By encouraging a transition to pot gear, we’re taking a deliberate step toward more responsible, sustainable fisheries management.”

Under the bill, WDFW may issue up to five total licenses for both shrimp trawl and nonspot shrimp pot fisheries. Importantly, existing trawl license holders will have the opportunity to convert their licenses to pot gear, facilitating a gradual but clear move away from trawling.

“The phaseout of trawling isn’t just about limiting one type of gear, it’s about protecting the long-term health of Puget Sound,” Muzzall said. “This bill encourages innovation and collaboration while preserving access for local fishers who rely on this industry to make a living.”

SB 5076 received strong bipartisan support, passing the Senate 48-0 and the House 97-0.

“This was a sensible bipartisan effort with input from across the fishing industry and both sides of the aisle,” Muzzall added. “It’s a great example of how we can come together to find smart, sustainable solutions for our natural resources.”

The new law will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the 2025 legislative session.

Help is on the way to clear derelict structures under Muzzall legislation

Who is responsible for cleaning up aquatic ruins like dilapidated piers or crumbling bulkheads? The state Department of Natural Resources is tasked with the job, but the process is still murky.

Senate Bill 5433, sponsored by state Sen. Ron Muzzall, is focused on shoring up the program to keep state-owned aquatic lands hazard free and environmentally sound.

The bipartisan proposal would establish a derelict structure removal program under the auspices of the DNR for qualifying projects. In addition, it would direct the agency to create a grant program for private lessees of state aquatic lands in need of financial assistance to keep nearshore habitats healthy.

“My district has so many miles of shoreline and the maritime industry keeps it thriving, but that doesn’t come without its challenges,” said Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor. “Our state’s waterways have been plagued by derelict vessels and I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation to address a different kind, but no less hazardous, obstacle in our waters.”

The program that would be created under the bill sponsored by Muzzall is like the existing one focused on removal of derelict ships, but would look at larger, often man-made structures that present different challenges for removal. The bill outlines criteria for classification as a derelict structure and options for the DNR to collaborate and appropriately respond.

“These structures can be a blight but also a hazard to navigation and pose significant environmental risks that can’t be overlooked,” Muzzall said. “We need this clarification in the law so that the DNR can work with local partners to protect this invaluable resource.”

Under the proposal, the Department of Natural resources has until July 2024 to establish eligibility criteria for the proposed grant program but must begin developing and prioritizing projects by January 2024. DNR would be directed to prioritize the removal and remediation of the most precarious structures at risk of collapsing, obstructing navigation or posing significant environmental risks.

The measure was passed unanimously Monday by the state Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.