SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5025

                    As of January 15, 1997

Title:  An act relating to exempting applicants for 1997 Columbia river gillnet licenses from having to have held the license in 1994 through 1996.

Brief Description:  Exempting applicants for 1997 Columbia river gillnet licenses from having to have held the license in 1994 through 1996.

Sponsors:  Senator Loveland.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/21/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background:   Current law limits the number of commercial salmon fishing licenses to reduce the pressure on the salmon fishery resource.  This is accomplished by restricting the issuance of new licenses and regulating the renewal of existing licenses.

The issuance of commercial salmon fishing licenses is restricted to those who held a license during the previous year or acquired the license by transfer from a prior license holder. 

A waiver of license requirements, including landing or poundage requirements, is authorized during a calendar year when no harvest opportunity occurs (note: landing and poundage requirements were repealed in 1993).  A waiver of license requirements is also authorized when the department does not allow a fishing opportunity.

Summary of Bill:  Only salmon gillnet fishers in Grays Harbor-Columbia River or Willapa Bay-Columbia River areas who had a commercial license in 1993, but failed to renew in 1994, 1995, or 1996, are regulated.

The specified parties can qualify for a 1997 commercial salmon license and reenter the fishery by paying all back fees including annual fees and surcharges in 1997.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.