Senate Hearing on SB6279 - Is Shellfish Aquaculture Critical to Puget Sound?

Wednesday, January 17, 1:30 in Senate Hearing Room 4
The Senate Environment Committee will begin to accept public input regarding Senate Bill 6279. The public is welcome to attend in person or - if snow bound - watch live over TVW here:
http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwliveplayer&eventID=2012011131

Comment:  Instead of: "The legislature finds that shellfish are critical to the health of Washington's marine waters and the state's economy. Shellfish aquaculture and commercial and tribal harvest of wild shellfish resources are water-dependent uses that rely on excellent water quality."

Why not incorporate the opening line from the Shoreline Management Act : The Shoreline Management Act from 1971 declares that the interest of all of the people shall be paramount in the management of shorelines and waters of statewide significance.  In continued support of that paramount act, the purpose of this act is to require a report on the progress of implementing elements of the governor's clean water initiative as they relate to improving water quality.

Drop the "oyster cap and trade" idea; drop the idea that shellfish are "critical" to Washington's economy and Puget Sound (showing a bag of 60 clams cleaning a gallon of water proves nothing except a bag of clams can clean a gallon of water); and focus on improving Puget Sound's water quality - for all the people, not the profit of a few.