SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5419

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

Allowing Oregon charter boats to fish in Washington waters.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5419 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  April 7, 1989

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 2, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Charter boats take recreational fishermen to the waters off the states of Oregon and Washington.  The salmon catch is managed for an area which includes the offshore waters of both states and the catch is allocated toward salmon quotas.  Charter boats from Oregon may not fish in the waters in the north part of this area from the Columbia River to the tip of Ledbetter Point since there is a charter boat license moratorium in Washington.  Washington operators can fish in the area below the mouth of the Columbia since they can obtain an Oregon charter boat fishing license.  In order to provide equity and to ensure that the state of Oregon does not retaliate against Washington charter boat fishermen, amendments to the salmon charter license statute are being recommended by boat operators in both states.  The Oregon Legislature is considering similar legislation this session.

SUMMARY:

A charter boat licensed in Oregon may fish in Washington State waters from the southern border of the state to Ledbetter Point under the same regulations as Washington charter operators.  Permission is limited by the requirement that the Oregon vessel does not land at any Washington port with the purpose of taking on or discharging passengers.  The law will only take effect if Oregon has a reciprocal law.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 31, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Phil Anderson, Washington Charter Association (pro); Loren Stern, Department of Fisheries (pro); Frank Warrens, Oregon Charter Association (pro); Milt Gudgell, Ilwaco Charter Association (pro); Eileen Wirkkala, Columbia River Sportsfishing Association (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The effect of the House amendment is the same as the Senate bill.  The House amendment places language in two sections of the fisheries code so that the license requirements and the angler permit requirement will not affect Oregon charter boats fishing in Washington waters.  The bill will only take effect if Oregon adopts a similar law and regulations.