(1) The aquatic nuisance species committee is created for the purpose of fostering state, federal, tribal, and private cooperation on aquatic nuisance species issues. The mission of the committee is to minimize the unauthorized or accidental introduction of nonnative aquatic species and give special emphasis to preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species. The term "aquatic nuisance species" means a nonnative aquatic plant or animal species that threatens the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on such waters.

     (2) The committee consists of representatives from each of the following state agencies: Department of fish and wildlife, department of ecology, department of agriculture, department of health, department of natural resources, Puget Sound partnership, state patrol, state noxious weed control board, and Washington sea grant program. The committee shall encourage and solicit participation by: Federally recognized tribes of Washington, federal agencies, Washington conservation organizations, environmental groups, and representatives from industries that may either be affected by the introduction of an aquatic nuisance species or that may serve as a pathway for their introduction.

     (3) The committee has the following duties:

     (a) Periodically revise the state of Washington aquatic nuisance species management plan, originally published in June 1998;

     (b) Make recommendations to the legislature on statutory provisions for classifying and regulating aquatic nuisance species;

     (c) Recommend to the state noxious weed control board that a plant be classified under the process designated by RCW 17.10.080 as an aquatic noxious weed;

     (d) Coordinate education, research, regulatory authorities, monitoring and control programs, and participate in regional and national efforts regarding aquatic nuisance species;

     (e) Consult with representatives from industries and other activities that may serve as a pathway for the introduction of aquatic nuisance species to develop practical strategies that will minimize the risk of new introductions; and

     (f) Prepare a biennial report to the legislature with the first report due by December 1, 2001, making recommendations for better accomplishing the purposes of this chapter, and listing the accomplishments of this chapter to date.

     (4) The committee shall accomplish its duties through the authority and cooperation of its member agencies. Implementation of all plans and programs developed by the committee shall be through the member agencies and other cooperating organizations.

[2007 c 341 § 59; 2000 c 149 § 1.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- Effective date -- 2007 c 341: See RCW 90.71.906 and 90.71.907.