HB 2417 - DIGEST

     Authorizes the sale of excess salmon eggs and carcasses by regional fisheries enhancement groups with the revenues to be used on projects that support artificially and naturally produced salmon.

     Authorizes harvest of surplus salmon returning to a private nonprofit corporation hatchery if proceeds are used for operation of the hatchery.

     Requires approval of the harvest by an independent oversight committee.

     Authorizes the department to contract the operation of state salmon hatcheries to regional fisheries enhancement groups if state employees retain their employment status.