HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2942

BYRepresentatives R. King, Ballard, R. Meyers, Rayburn, McLean, Bowman, Peery, Basich, P. King, Scott, Cole, Crane, Rasmussen, O'Brien, Hine and Dellwo

Requiring progress reports on the recreational fisheries enhancement plan.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (10)

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

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Haugen.

House Staff:Pamela Madson (786-7310)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 13, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries has developed, over the past 15 months, a recreational fisheries enhancement plan designed to be a start toward making Washington the recreational fishing capital of the nation. Since release of the draft plan in late 1988, it has been reviewed by governmental entities, treaty tribes, and the general public.  The final plan was released in November, 1989.

The goals of the plan are expressed on a regional basis for Puget Sound, the coast, the Columbia River Basin, and the ocean.  They include:

(1)  Creating a year-round angling opportunity within a one-hour travel time from population centers;

(2)  Stabilizing regulations for sport anglers;

(3)  Broadening the areas and times for fishing opportunity of sport anglers; and

(4)  Establishing a sport fishery from Neah Bay to the mouth of the Columbia River that begins on Memorial Day and extends through Labor Day.

These goals will be achieved without significant alteration or elimination of commercial fishing opportunity.

Some of the enhancement projects are currently underway.  Through an increase in the department's biennial budget for 1989-91, recreational salmon enhancement projects were funded.  For example, hatchery production of chinook and coho, the favored species of the recreational angler, is being increased at the state's hatchery facilities and funds are allocated to develop the resident chinook project for Puget Sound.

SUMMARY:

The director of the Department of Fisheries shall make the following reports to the governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature regarding progress of the recreational fisheries enhancement plan:

(1)  Annually, beginning July 1, 1990, a review of all programs in the plan that are currently underway and an assessment of additional financial and personnel needs;

(2)  Annually, beginning November 1, 1990, a designation of individuals responsible for the management of the enhancement program and those responsible at the regional level, the annual costs of the program per region, the dates of attainment of goals, and the criteria used to measure successful attainment of the plan's goals.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Lew Holcomb, Puget Sound Sportsmen's Council; and Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    These reports will help the dissemination of information on the progress of the department's recreational fishery enhancement plan.  This plan is of keen interest to many recreational fishers and keeping the interested parties informed of needs for additional funds or personnel and progress made can help implementation of the program.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.