SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5229

                            AS OF JANUARY 31, 1991

Brief Description:  Imposing a conservation closure on the cod fishery in certain marine waters in Puget Sound.

SPONSORS:Senators Owen and Oke.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:February 4, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Abundance of Pacific cod in Puget Sound has precipitously declined over the last ten years. 

Conservation closures are necessary in order to preserve the spawning stocks.

SUMMARY:

A Pacific cod spawning zone closure is created in the Agate Pass area at the north end of Bainbridge Island. 

It is unlawful to retain Pacific cod for personal use in marine waters south of Port Townsend for a period of five years.  It is unlawful to commercially fish for Pacific cod in waters east of Port Angeles.

The Department of Fisheries shall seek control of sea mammal predation on Pacific cod.  Population levels of other Puget Sound fish such as walleye pollack and ling cod shall be examined for purposes of conservation measures.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.