HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1706

BYRepresentatives Sayan, R. King, Basich, Zellinsky, Patrick, Anderson and Crane

Appropriating money for the department of fisheries.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair; S. Wilson, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bowman, Brooks, Cole, Haugen, Smith, Spanel and Vekich.

House Staff:Robert Butts (786-7841)

BACKGROUND:

In November 1988, the Department of Fisheries distributed a draft "Recreational Fishery Enhancement Plan."  Public meetings were held on the proposal, and the department is currently considering the public's response and preparing a final plan.

The draft plan emphasizes chinook and coho salmon, sturgeon, and shad, and is intended to not adversely impact the commercial fishing industry.  According to the department, similar plans will be developed for marine fish and shellfish at a later date.

The 43 proposals in the plan include specific statewide actions, and projects in Puget Sound, on the coast, and in the Columbia River Basin.  Items range from reducing the complexity of fishing regulations to a net pen complex in Hood Canal.

The estimated cost of implementing the draft plan is $1 million.  In the department's budget that was submitted to the Governor's Office, a two-phase funding plan was proposed.  Phase 1, which was approved by the governor, totalled $187,800, and will fund positions to monitor and evaluate the success of the enhancement program.  Phase 2, which was not approved, totalled $400,000, and was intended to partially fund elements of the enhancement plan. Phase 2 funding emphasizes the expansion of hatchery production for recreationally important salmon species.

SUMMARY:

The value of the state's recreational salmon fisheries and the potential of enhancing recreational fishing opportunities is recognized.

Appropriation:    The sum of $400,000 is appropriated to the Department of Fisheries from the General Fund to implement Phase 2 of the department's recreational fishery enhancement budget request.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 7, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Barry Jenkins, NW Salmon and Steelhead Club of Trout Unlimited; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters; Toimi Maki, Grays Harbor Gillnetters.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The bill will provide needed funds for projects that will enhance fish stocks important to recreational fishers.  Commercial fishing groups support the bill if the enhancement projects also will benefit commercial fisheries.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      As an executive agency, the Department of Fisheries must oppose the appropriation because it was not approved by the governor.