Recovery of Endangered Species. Washington is home to a number of anadromous fish species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. To assist in the recovery of these stocks and coordinate local, state, and federal recovery efforts, the state has organized watershed and regional salmon recovery structures and has submitted several draft recovery plans to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Documents outlining the state’s efforts on salmon recovery are available through the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office at: xxx.xxxxxxxx.xx.xxx/xxxx/. Washington is also the home of the summer resident orca population that is listed as endangered by Washington, the United States, and Canada. Washington is actively engaged in planning for the recovery of the orca and recently designated the orca the official state marine mammal. Washington has also completed a recovery plan for sea otters. Other Washington Programs • Washington manages coastal development through the state’s Shoreline Management Act and Growth Management Act (GMA). Local governments manage development through a special permit system that encourages water-dependent uses, promotes public access, and protects natural resources. All coastal counties and cities adopt critical areas ordinances under the GMA to designate and protect those areas that frequently flood; are geologically hazardous; or include wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, and fish and wildlife habitat areas. • Washington has a comprehensive state program to prevent and respond to spills of oil and hazardous substances. Recently, the state adopted a zero-spill strategy and works with the Oil Spills Advisory Council to implement it. The state also participates in the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force. • Washington has adopted legislation designed to prevent the introduction of invasive species from discharges of ballast water and currently has a ballast water work group reviewing options for ballast water control. • Washington has an active program to prevent and control aquatic nuisance species that is backed by state legislation and the Washington State Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan. A ppendix
