FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 5501

                                  C 144 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Concerning license renewal for commercial salmon fishers.

SPONSORS:Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, Sutherland, L. Smith, Vognild, Amondson and Bauer).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

BACKGROUND:

Commercial salmon fishers must land salmon every year in order to validate their licenses.  However, there is no minimum number of salmon or poundage which must be landed in order to retain the commercial license.

Commercial salmon licenses may be freely sold to any willing buyer.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Fisheries shall study the need for changing licensing requirements for minimum salmon landings and the sale or transfer of commercial salmon licenses, and shall report to the Legislature by January 1, 1992.  The director shall work closely with the commercial salmon fishing industry.

Non-Indian commercial fisheries in Hood Canal shall be evaluated to determine if restrictions are necessary on fishing areas and methods.  The director shall consider the impacts of all nontreaty fisheries on weak salmon stocks.  Studies shall be conducted on incidental catch of fish by commercial fisheries which would impact the recreational fishery.  Reports are due to the Legislature on or before December 1, 1991.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      31    14

House 95    0    (House amended)

Senate      34    12    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  July 28, 1991