HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 283

BYRepresentatives K. Wilson,  Kremen, Haugen, S. Wilson, R. King, Basich and Holm

Requiring foreign fishing vessels in state waters to store fishing gear below deck.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Majority Report:     The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (17)

     Signed by Representatives Sutherland, Chair; K. Wilson, Vice Chair; Amondson, Basich, Beck, Belcher, Bumgarner, Cole, Fuhrman, Hargrove, Haugen, R. King, Meyers, Sayan, C. Smith, Spanel and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Bill Koss (786-7129)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES FEBRUARY 5, 1987

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:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  Commercial fishing vessels not licensed to fish in Washington waters must not have their fishing gear placed where it may be readily accessible for fishing, or stowed below the deck, when in state waters.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The substitute adds language clarifying that any fishing vessel not licensed in Washington -- not just foreign vessels -- must take steps to ensure that all fishing gear is temporarily rendered inoperable.

Fiscal Note:    Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Steve Arbaugh and Don Sobjack, Puget Sound Gillnetters Association.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     Washington's fish resources will be protected by ensuring that out-of-state vessels cannot catch fish in Washington waters.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.