SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5347

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Natural Resources & Parks, January 31, 1997

Title:  An act relating to increasing fishing opportunities for juveniles.

Brief Description:  Creating a program for juvenile fishing only waters.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Oke, Winsley, Snyder, Bauer, Swecker, Morton, Schow, Zarelli, Rossi, Strannigan and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/14/97, 1/31/97 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5347 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Rossi, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Jacobsen, Morton, Roach, Snyder, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  The Fish and Wildlife Commission currently designates juvenile-fishing-only waters for persons under 15 years.

An expansion of this program would enable juveniles the opportunity to fish in more places and for longer periods each year.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Juvenile-fishing-only waters are expanded to include persons up to 18 years old.  The commission must designate additional waters for new juvenile fishing opportunities. These areas must emphasize long season length, accessibility to urban centers, and catch and retention of hatchery produced fish.

The Department of Wildlife must work with cooperative groups, regional fisheries enhancement groups, government agencies, Indian tribes, private fish farmers, and civic groups to increase juvenile recreational fishing opportunities.

The department must make a progress report to the Legislature by January 31, 1998.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Private fish farmers are involved in increasing juvenile fishing opportunities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None requested.

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

Testimony For:  More juvenile fishing opportunities should be provided to increase juvenile involvement with outdoor related activities.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Laurie Glass-Goerg, R&R; Tom Nelson, Puget Sound Anglers; Bern Shanks, Director, F&W.