SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5969

                    As of February 24, 1997

Title:  An act relating to appointment of a mediator to identify a solution to a wasteful commercial fishing practice.

Brief Description:  Appointing the lieutenant governor mediator for a wasteful commercial fishing practice.

Sponsors:  Senator Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  .

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  Adult chum salmon returning to Hood Canal hatcheries are subject to commercial fisheries.  In recent years, there has been numerous incidents of chum salmon wastage in terminal fisheries.

A mediator is needed to develop a solution to the chum salmon wastage problem.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature appoints the Lieutenant Governor as a mediator between the state and treaty tribes for the purpose of solving the chum salmon wastage problem.  The mediator must report to the Legislature on or before September 1, 1997.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.