SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5014

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               JANUARY 22, 1991

Brief Description:  Creating a floating pen project for residential coho salmon enhancement.

SPONSORS:Senators Metcalf, Snyder, Oke, Thorsness, Rasmussen, Conner and Hansen.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5014 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Patterson, and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:January 21, 1991; January 22, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Extended rearing of coho salmon in marine, brackish or freshwater net pens can cause an increase in survival rates and an alteration in migratory behavior, both of which cause the coho to be more available for harvest by recreational salmon fishers.

The recreational coho salmon fishery in Puget Sound and Hood Canal has declined over the last five years and increases in the pen-raised delayed-release coho salmon program could improve this fishery as well as other recreational coho salmon fisheries in the state.

SUMMARY:

Regional fisheries enhancement groups are encouraged to develop floating net pen projects for the culture and delayed release of coho salmon.  Net pens are to be located at existing waterfront developments such as:  fishing pens, ferry docks and marinas.  Coho eggs are to be provided by the Department of Fisheries and the production of coho salmon smolts is to be conducted by private aquaculture businesses under contract administered by the department.  Final rearing of coho salmon shall be conducted by regional fisheries enhancement group volunteers in marine, brackish or freshwater areas.

Funding for the program shall be from the proceeds of the sale of salmon and salmon carcasses that return to Department of Fisheries salmon hatcheries.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The enhancement projects are primarily developed by the Department of Fisheries, although regional fisheries enhancement groups may participate in operating the projects.  Chinook salmon delayed release projects are authorized.  Chinook salmon enhancement projects are to be conducted by Department of Fisheries without utilizing private contracting.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill will improve fishing for recreational anglers (Jay Rusling).

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The bill will not help commercial fishermen (Steve Arbaugh).

TESTIFIED:  Greg Mueller, Washington Trollers (con); Steve Arbaugh, P.S.G.A. (con); Jay Rusling (Puget Sound Anglers (pro); Jack Ballard, Salmon Foundation (pro); Jim Zimmerman, Trout Lodge; Don Stuart, Salmon for Washington (con)