(1) The department, in consultation with the Northwest straits commission, the department of natural resources, and other interested parties, must create and maintain a database of known derelict fishing gear, including the type of gear and its location.

     (2) A person who loses or abandons commercial fishing gear within the waters of the state is encouraged to report the location of the loss and the type of gear lost to the department within forty-eight hours of the loss.

     (3) The department, in consultation with fishing industry groups and tribal comanagers, must evaluate methods to reduce future losses of fishing gear and report the results of this evaluation to the appropriate legislative committees by January 1, 2003.

[2002 c 20 § 3.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- Purpose -- 2002 c 20: See note following RCW 77.12.865.