SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SSB 6151

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 18, 1992

Brief Description:  Creating a committee to study and make recommendations on increasing weak stocks of fish.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Anderson, Sutherland, Owen, Snyder, Hayner, Newhouse, Rasmussen, L. Smith, Bauer, Roach and Conner)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6151 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

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

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 27, 1992; February 6, 1992

BACKGROUND:

A number of anadromous fish runs have been severely reduced or considered for endangered species listings.

There is a concern that changes in catch management may be necessary to prevent overfishing of weak stocks.

SUMMARY:

The duties of the committee are focused on the policies of harvest management of anadromous fish.  The committee is comprised of 20 members, six of which will represent fishing-related interests, six will represent nonfishing water-related industries, and eight will be legislative members.  The committee will be staffed by House and Senate staff. 

The committee shall provide a final report by December 31, 1992.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 21, 1992

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

TESTIMONY FOR:

The policy for harvest of anadromous fish needs to be reviewed and a study is necessary with legislative and private industry involvement.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The study will be costly and the function of the committee is already being performed by state agencies.

TESTIFIED:  Gary Ferris, University of Washington School of Fisheries (con); Mike Yeager, Washington Forest Protection Association (pro); Tom Casey, Washington State Grange (pro); Pam Madsen, Department of Wildlife (con); Gene Didonato, Department of Fisheries (con)