SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5158

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 11, 1991

Brief Description:  Providing for Hood Canal salmon management.

SPONSORS:Senators Owen, Craswell, Oke, Sutherland and Conner.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:February 4, 1991; February 25, 1991

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5158 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, L. Kreidler, Matson, Owen, Rinehart, Saling, L. Smith, Talmadge, and Wojahn. 

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786-7715)

Hearing Dates:March 6, 1991; March 11, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Abundance of chinook and coho salmon in Hood Canal recreational fisheries has decreased markedly in recent years.

Some people believe that the commercial fisheries in Hood Canal are overharvesting recreationally important chinook and coho salmon while targeting on the more abundant chum and pink salmon.

SUMMARY:

Commercial fishermen who fish Hood Canal must purchase an additional $100 permit to fish canal waters.  A maximum of 250 gillnetters and 30 seiners may fish in Hood Canal waters.  The Department of Fisheries shall increase enforcement of Hood Canal commercial fishing rules.  Observers shall be placed on commercial fishing boats to assure minimization of catch of immature chinook salmon, coho salmon, and game fish (steelhead).  Commercial fishing shall be limited to areas greater than 100 feet deep and more than 500 yards of shore.  The director of Fisheries shall study ways in which to increase production of blackmouth salmon for the recreational fishery.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Department of Fisheries is directed to use volunteer observers to monitor incidental catch.  The scope of the study is reduced.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 30, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR (Environment & Natural Resources):

The commercial fishery for salmon in Hood Canal should be limited in such a manner as to improve sportfishing opportunities.

TESTIMONY AGAINST (Environment & Natural Resources):

Restrictions on commercial fishing will not improve sportfishing in Hood Canal.

TESTIFIED (Environment & Natural Resources):  Robert Quarterman, PSUOA (con); Chuck Williams, Salmon on All (con); Stephen Phillips, PSSC (pro); Barry Jenkins, NWSSC of Trout Unlimited (pro); Michael Skrivamich (con); Bob Franks, PSGA (con); John Smith, Salmon for Washington (con); Donald Stuart, Salmon for Washington (con); Wayne Harris, HCSEG (con); Gene Di Donato, Department of Fisheries (con)

TESTIMONY FOR (Ways & Means):

Volunteer observers can provide a good enforcement option if properly trained.  The fiscal impact of the bill is negligible.  The bill will increase recreational fisheries.

TESTIMONY AGAINST (Ways & Means):

There will be a substantial impact in spite of the proposed changes.  It is not in the best interest of the state to propose restricted entry fisheries in a piecemeal fashion.  The incidental catch is minimal.  Other more serious problems afflict the Hood Canal fisheries.

TESTIFIED (Ways & Means):  Lawrence Hyzer, Trout Unlimited (pro); Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (con); Rob Zuanich, Ray Shindler, Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association (con); Randy Ray, Salmon for WA (con); Bill Chapman, Kitsap Pogie Club (pro)