SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6154

                            AS OF JANUARY 21, 1992

Brief Description:  Regarding recreational diving for food fish.

SPONSORS: Senator Owen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:  January 28, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Divers must currently possess a valid personal use license in order to take food fish by skin diving or scuba diving, with an annual cost of $3.

There is concern over harvesting of certain food fish by divers, and that a revised licensing and management system may be useful to improve management of spearfishing.

SUMMARY:

An annual recreational diving license is required of divers who spear food fish.  Resident fees are $6, and nonresident fees are $18.  A five-year moratorium on the taking of food fish in the Hood Canal by divers is established.  Catch record cards are required for divers who spear ling cod.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 21, 1992