FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 283

                                  C 262 L 87

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives K. Wilson, Kremen, Haugen, S. Wilson, R. King, Basich and Holm)

Requiring unauthorized commercial fishing vessels in state waters to stow fishing gear or keep it unavailable.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In several fisheries, Canadian vessels sell their catch in Washington ports.  In the case of salmon, Canadians can receive higher prices than Washington fishermen for two reasons:  1) better fish condition, owing to their capture further from the fish spawning areas; and 2) fish caught earlier in the season receive higher prices.

Canadian federal law requires foreign fishing vessels traveling through their waters to stow all fishing gear below decks or render it temporarily inoperable.

SUMMARY:

Commercial fishing vessels not licensed to fish in Washington waters must have their salmon fishing gear placed where it is not readily accessible for salmon fishing or stowed below the deck when in state waters.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 97   0

      Senate    47     0

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987