SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5104

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 18, 1993

Brief Description:  Designating salmon production as the primary mission of the department of fisheries.

SPONSORS: Senators Snyder, Anderson, Roach, Erwin and Barr

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Oke, and Snyder.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 29, 1993; February 10, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries conducts programs relating to all species of food fish and shellfish.

There is concern that proposed budget cuts are being improperly targeted at salmon production programs when other less essential programs could be cut.

SUMMARY:

The production of salmon is the primary mission of the Department of Fisheries.  During times when the department faces budget cutbacks, the production of salmon shall not be reduced.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Salmon production is the most important mission of the department.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The department may be forced to cut other popular programs in order to fully fund salmon.

TESTIFIED:  Judith Freeman, Department of Fisheries (con); Bob Eaton, Salmon for All (pro); Bob Lake, Willapa Gill Netters (pro); Phil Anderson, Westport Charter Boat Association (con); Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gill Netters Association (pro); Greg Muellen, Tacoma Poggie Club (pro); Roger Attwood, Washington Trollers (pro); Ed Owens, Coalition of Washington Ocean Fishermen