HOUSE BILL REPORT

2SSB 5845

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Bailey, Metcalf, DeJarnatt, Owen, Thorsness, Smitherman, Bauer and McMullen)

Increasing steelhead trout production.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (10)

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

House Staff:Pamela Madson (786-7310)

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended by Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife.  (24)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Grant, Vice Chair; H. Sommers, Vice Chair; Silver, Ranking Republican Member; Youngsman, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Belcher, Bowman, Brekke, Brough, Dorn, Ebersole, Ferguson, Hine, Inslee, May, McLean, Nealey, Rust, Sayan, Spanel, Sprenkle, Valle, Wang and Wineberry.

House Staff:      Pamela Madson (786-7310) / Randy Acker (786-7153)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Wildlife manages the state's game fish species that include steelhead trout, searun cutthroat trout, resident trout and other warm water fish.  Department efforts to increase production of game fish is supported by factors like static license sales compared to increased state population and surveys showing angler dissatisfaction over the quality of fishing in this state.

The department has set a goal of increasing production of state-funded facilities from 1.4 million pounds in 1988 to 3.3 million pounds in the year 2000.  Non state-funded facilities currently account for another 40 percent of this state's game fish production (900,000 pounds), coming primarily from mitigation for hydropower development.

An independent study of the department's hatchery program was released in 1989.  The study evaluated the state's production goals and facilities, and made recommendations designed to meet those goals.  The recommendations included renovating and converting existing facilities and developing new sites.  The study recommended funding for three bienniums through the year 1999.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Wildlife is directed to develop a plan and assess the cost of doubling state-wide game fish production by the year 2000. The plan will focus on all game fish species including steelhead, resident trout, and warm water fish.  The plan will include the following elements:

            oMethods of estimating catch and production levels now and in the year 2000;

            oInvolvement of the tribes, state and federal agencies, and fishing groups;

            oDevelopment of trophy fisheries;

            oMethods of increasing production of both hatchery and naturally spawning fish;

            oCapital improvement needs of existing production facilities;

            oUse of new technologies that increase production;

            oUse of low capital cost projects;

            oCoordination with the Northwest Power Planning Council programs and volunteer cooperative programs;

            oIdentification of the role of private contractors and private consultants;

            oIncreased water access for fishers; and

            oIdentification of research needs.

The department, in conjunction with other agencies, must assess funding options and evaluate the economic benefit to the state of increased production.  The plan must be provided to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 31, 1990.  If this effort is not funded this fiscal year, the bill is null and void.

Fiscal Note:      Available on substitute bill.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Fisheries & Wildlife)  Barry Jenkins, Trout Unlimited; and Lee Smith, Department of Wildlife.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Fisheries & Wildlife)  No one.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Fisheries & Wildlife)  This bill reflects an approach to increasing game fish production that is workable and inclusive, and allows the Department of Wildlife to build on its recent hatchery study and production enhancement projects already underway.

(Appropriations)  None.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Fisheries & Wildlife)  None.

(Appropriations)  None.