SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1075
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources & Parks, March 26, 2013
Title: An act relating to the number of Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery licenses that one vessel may be designated to carry.
Brief Description: Concerning the number of Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery licenses that one vessel may be designated to carry.
Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Lytton, Blake, Chandler, Haigh and Morris).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/06/13, 94-1; 3/06/13, 93-4.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 3/21/13, 3/26/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Smith, Vice Chair; Rolfes, Ranking Member; Hargrove, Hewitt, Kline and Parlette.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: A Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery license is required to take Dungeness crab for commercial purposes in the Puget Sound. The cost for a license is $130 for a resident and $185 for a nonresident, along with a $105 application fee. The Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery has been a limited entry commercial fishery since 1980, and a fisher may operate up to 100 crab pots for each license.
Current law allows for the the designation and use of two Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery licenses on a single vessel. Specifically, two persons with separate Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery licenses can operate those licenses on the same vessel. Additionally, a person who holds two Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery licenses may operate them both on one vessels.
Summary of Bill: The number of Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery licenses that may be designated and operated on a vessel is increased from two to three. This includes the ability for two persons to collectively operate up to three licenses on a vessel, or an individual holding multiple licenses to operate up to three licenses on a vessel.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill expands the current practice in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery to allow a stacking of up to three licenses upon one boat. This will allow for more efficiency in the fishery and will further improve the state's management and enforcement capabilities.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Lytton, prime sponsor; Brian Allison, Puget Sound Crab Assn.; Rich Childers, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.