SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6102

                    AS OF JANUARY 13, 1994

Brief Description:  Changing salmon enhancement provisions.

SPONSORS: Senators Owen, Snyder, Hargrove, Oke, Amondson, Sheldon and Drew

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

Salmon hatcheries funded by the state general fund are subject to closure due to funding shortages.  Regional fisheries enhancement groups are formed in 12 regions of the state.  Some of these groups would like to have the opportunity to operate state salmon hatcheries that are scheduled for closure.  Funds to help operate the salmon hatcheries could be generated by sales of surplus salmon.

SUMMARY:

Department of Fisheries operated salmon hatcheries may be operated by nonprofit corporations, including regional fisheries enhancement groups.  Surplus salmon may be harvested in terminal areas in order to provide funding for operation of the nonprofit hatchery.  Authorization for terminal area harvest rests with the department, but an independent six member oversight committee must review each harvest in a process open to the public before pre-approval.  Funds from terminal surplus harvest must be kept in a separate account and expenditures must be approved by the oversight committee.  Annual reports on terminal area harvest funds are required.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested