FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6150

                           C 97 L 98

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring recommendations concerning selective fishing strategies.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senator Swecker).

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

House Committee on Natural Resources

Background:  The Department of Fish and Wildlife was required to report to the Legislature its recommendations for selective fishery methods that would minimize fishing impacts on weak fish stocks.  Three status reports were due in 1993, 1994 and 1995.  In addition, a final report was due on December 31, 1996.  None of the these reports were completed and presented to the Legislature.

The need for implementation of selective fishing methods has increased in recent years due to the occurrence of more threatened or endangered fish stocks.  It is vital that a comprehensive analysis of selective fishing methods be completed.

Summary:  The Department of Fish and Wildlife must complete a selective fishing study in conjunction with treaty Indian tribes, non-Indian commercial fishers, and the recreational fishing industry.  The study must present final recommendations to the Legislature by December 31, 1998.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 48 0

House     97 0

Effective:  June 11, 1998