SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6151

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 6, 1992

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

SPONSORS: 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:

A committee of 22 members is formed to study and make recommendations on changes to the harvesting of anadromous fish.  Emphasis is to be placed on threatened or endangered stocks and ways in which they can be protected while harvesting abundant stocks.  Adult returns of weak stocks are to be increased over the next three life cycles in order to meet spawning escapement goals.

The committee shall provide a final report by December 31, 1992.  The University of Washington School of Fisheries shall provide staff support for the committee.

The mandates of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife are changed to ensure protection of weak fish stocks while harvesting of abundant stocks.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The duties of the committee are narrowed to focus on the policies of harvest management of anadromous fish.  The committee structure is changed to 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.  Language modifying the mandates of the Department of Fisheries and Department of Wildlife is removed.

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)