SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6197

          AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, FEBRUARY 11, 1992

Brief Description:  Establishing Hood Canal as a marine fish preservation area.

SPONSORS: Senators Owen, Craswell and Oke

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6197 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

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

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1992

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6197 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass. 

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bluechel, Cantu, Gaspard, M. Kreidler, Matson, Metcalf, Murray, Newhouse, Niemi, Owen, Rinehart, Saling, L. Smith, Talmadge, West, Williams, and Wojahn.

Staff:  Mike Groesch (786-7715)

Hearing Dates:February 11, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Runs of Hood Canal origin salmon have recently declined, especially coho and chinook salmon.  In addition, bottom dwelling marine food fish populations, such as ling cod and rock fish, are greatly reduced.

Recreational fishing in Hood Canal has become very poor.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries is required to conduct a study on the causes of the decline in Hood Canal origin coho salmon.  A report is due to the Legislature by January 1, 1993 to include corrective actions and costs.

No fishing zones are established in areas at the mouths of rivers and streams which enter Hood Canal.

A closure of spear fishing by scuba or skin divers for marine food fish is established in Hood Canal.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Hood Canal is closed to harvest of bottom fish by all user groups.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

Mandatory designation of no fishing zones and bottom fishing closures are removed from the bill.  The department is directed to consider a number of management options to improve the fish resources in the Hood Canal.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Hood Canal fish stocks are depleted and action must be taken to restore the fishery.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

Fishery conservation closures should apply to all user groups in a nondiscriminatory manner.

TESTIFIED (Environment & Natural Resources):  Dennis McBreen, marina owner (pro); Duane Kingmeyer, Kitsap Poggie Club (pro); Bruce Crookshanks, Salmon for All (con); Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters (con); Joe Williams, Puget Sound Sports Council; Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (con); Gordon Bradley, charter operator (con)

TESTIFIED (Ways & Means):  Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries