H-1537.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 1860
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State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1991 Regular Session
By Representatives R. King and Morris.
Read first time February 12, 1991. Referred to Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife.
AN ACT Relating to commercial fishing; adding a new section to chapter 75.08 RCW; and creating new sections.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that fish species caught incidental to commercial net target fisheries in state waters may negatively impact the nontarget species, and that the sale of incidentally caught fish provides an economic benefit to commercial fishers. The legislature further finds that limiting the commercial harvest of and preventing the sale of certain fish species may improve the status of the fishery in state waters.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 75.08 RCW to read as follows:
The director shall adopt rules that list each fish species that may lawfully be commercially harvested and sold. A species list shall be prepared for each management and catch reporting area designated by the director, with associated seasons, open days, and open hours.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The department shall develop a study plan and design for observing and documenting incidental catch of fish in commercial fisheries, and shall present the study plan to the legislature by October 1, 1991. The study plan shall include:
(1) Elements of an observer training program; and
(2) A sample design that will allow identification of causes for incidental catch, and that will allow for future recommendations on how to minimize incidental catch. Variables measured shall include, at a minimum, mesh size, depth of net, distance from net to shore, gear type, incidentally caught species, target species, and time of day.