SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6385

                            AS OF JANUARY 29, 1992

Brief Description:  Protecting wild salmon.

SPONSORS: Senators Sutherland, Owen, Oke and Barr

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Wild salmon runs are in danger of overfishing primarily due to high harvest rates in mixed stock fisheries that primarily target upon abundant hatchery salmon stocks.

There is concern that salmon fisheries should be altered to protect wild salmon while targeting on hatchery produced fish.

SUMMARY:

The taking of wild salmon is prohibited in the Pacific Ocean and other marine waters of the state, as well as the Columbia River, effective January 1, 1997.  All hatchery produced coho and chinook salmon must be externally marked in such a manner to allow for easy identification in fisheries, effective January 1, 1994.  The production of hatchery produced coho and chinook salmon shall not be reduced.

The act is subject to a referendum clause.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 29, 1992