SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5141

BYSenators Sutherland, Warnke, Newhouse, Bender, Matson, Owen, Craswell, Talmadge, Bauer, Vognild, Johnson, Conner, Hansen, Saling, Patterson, Nelson, von Reichbauer, Wojahn, Madsen, Barr, Gaspard, Kreidler, Lee, Murray, Benitz, West, Moore, Niemi, Sellar and Smith

Enhancing recreational fishing in Washington state.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 30, 1989

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

AS OF JANUARY 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The recreational and commercial salmon fishing industries directly compete with each other in the harvest of chinook and coho salmon.  There is also competition for certain highly valued bottomfish species such as ling cod, halibut, sturgeon and black rockfish.  Most fisheries experts agree that future trends will lead to more intense competition between the commercial and recreational fishermen as each group becomes more efficient fishermen.

Current law does not specify the share of the food fish catch to be apportioned to either the non-Indian commercial or recreational fisheries.

SUMMARY:

The mandate of the Department of Fisheries is changed to prioritize recreational fisheries over commercial fisheries for coho salmon, chinook salmon, sturgeon, Lake Washington sockeye salmon, halibut, ling cod, black rockfish and additional species as determined by the director.  Recreational fisheries are to be enhanced, promoted, maintained, developed and stabilized.  Trophy sport fisheries are to be developed; hatcheries shall maximize recreational programs; instream flows are to be optimized; incidental commercial harvest of wild chinook, coho and sturgeon are to be minimized; handling of steelhead in commercial fisheries is to be minimized; the department shall prepare a recreational fishery plan by December 15, 1989; and surplus returns of salmon to state hatcheries are deemed acceptable.  Fish habitat is to be protected, improved, supplemented and maintained.  Fish populations are to be enhanced in all state-managed waters.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 20, 1989