SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6324

                            AS OF JANUARY 27, 1992

Brief Description:  Changing the requirements of commercial salmon licenses.

SPONSORS: Senator Snyder

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: February 3, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Commercial Columbia River gill net salmon fishermen are facing the prospect of restricted salmon fishing seasons due to reduced salmon abundance and potential endangered species listings of certain salmon stocks.

Some Columbia River gill net fishermen would like to have an opportunity to sell their commercial fishing license and permanently retire from the fishery, while receiving some monetary consideration for their license equity.

SUMMARY:

A three phase approach is taken for purchase and permanent retirement of Columbia River/Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor salmon gill net licenses.  In phase one, all licensees who have not landed 1,000 lbs. of salmon for each of the years 1990-1986, or landed 2,500 lbs. of salmon for 1990 or 1991 shall be mandatorily purchased for $5,000 each.  Phase two purchases shall be voluntary and shall be at the rate of $50,000 per license.  Phase three purchases shall be voluntary at the rate of $20,000 per license.

Various qualifications and restrictions are placed on the total number of commercial gill net licenses.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  January 1, 1993