SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5302

                      AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 27, 1992

Brief Description:  Designating salmon production as the primary mission of the department of fisheries.

SPONSORS:Senators Snyder, Metcalf, Rasmussen, Anderson, L. Smith, Amondson, Patterson and Oke.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:February 15, 1991; February 19, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries conducts programs relating to all species of food fish and shellfish.

Some people are concerned that proposed budget cuts are being improperly targeted at salmon production programs when other less essential programs could be cut.

SUMMARY:

The production of salmon is the primary mission of the Department of Fisheries.  During times when the department faces budget cutbacks, the production of salmon shall not be reduced.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The Department of Fisheries should be emphasizing the production of salmon.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The Department of Fisheries should emphasize more shellfish and bottom fish.

TESTIFIED:  Ray Nelson, representing commercial fisheries (pro); Bill Jones, Wildcat Steelhead Hub Sportsmen (pro); Tom Penntt, Grays Harbor Fisheries Enhancement Task Force (pro); Bob Eaton, Salmon for All, Inc. (pro); Joe Blum, Department of Fisheries (con)