SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6335

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

Brief Description:  Allowing the operation of state‑owned salmon hatcheries by nonprofit corporations, municipal corporations, and treaty Indian tribes.

SPONSORS: Senators Snyder, Owen, Oke, Haugen, Erwin, Hargrove, Drew, Bauer, M. Rasmussen, Sutherland and Pelz

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

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

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 31, 1994; February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries operates salmon hatcheries, satellite rearing ponds, egg box sites, spawning channels, egg taking stations and other salmon culture facilities.  Some facilities are slated for closure due to funding shortfalls.

Regional fisheries enhancement groups and other entities have expressed interest in operating hatcheries that are scheduled to be closed.

SUMMARY:

The Governor may approve contracts for operation of state-owned salmon hatcheries by regional fisheries enhancement groups, cooperative groups, municipal corporations, and treaty Indian tribes.  Contracts have a maximum length of five years and must specify terms of facility maintenance and operational plans.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

State-owned salmon hatcheries that are scheduled for closure can be operated productively by nonprofit groups.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

Nonprofit groups may utilize rearing techniques that are not in accordance with the department's wishes.  State employees could lose their employment.

TESTIFIED:  Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries; Jeff Parsons, National Audubon Society (con); John Woodring, Dan Swecker, Washington Fish Growers Association (pro); Steven Drew, FISH (pro)