SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5289

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Metcalf, DeJarnatt, Barr, Benitz and Anderson)

Authorizing the formation of regional fisheries enhancement groups.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5289 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Barr, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  April 13, 1989

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Regional fisheries enhancement groups, formed from interested private citizens, can be very effective in providing cost-effective fisheries enhancement.  The state of Alaska has operated under the regional enhancement group approach for the last 10 years, and they have found the program to be worthwhile.  In Washington state, the Grays Harbor Fisheries Enhancement Task Force serves as a working example of the concept.  There is a need for increased funding for the Grays Harbor group, and for other regional groups which may soon be organized.

SUMMARY:

The development of six regional fisheries enhancement groups is encouraged by cooperative relations with the Department of Fisheries and a series of potential funding mechanisms:

      1)Start-up grant:  $8,000 per group.

2)!tlState loan.

3)!tlCost recovery from sale of eggs or carcasses which return to group facilities.

4)!tlOperational grant, generated from a $1 surcharge per punchcard and a $100 surcharge per commercial/charter boat license, to be on a matching basis (up to 90 percent state grant/10 percent other funds).

5)!tlPrivate contribution.

Appropriation:    $48,000 from general fund

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 18, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Toimi Maki, Grays Harbor Gillnetters (pro); Bob Lake, Willapa Bay Gillnetters (pro); Don Samuelson, Grays Harbor Fisheries Enhancement Task Force (pro); Ed Manary, Fisheries Department (con); Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The number of regional groups is reduced from six to three.  No funding is provided to the groups.