SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6150

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Natural Resources & Parks, January 27, 1998

Title:  An act relating to evaluating selective fishing methods.

Brief Description:  Requiring recommendations concerning selective fishing strategies.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/23/98, 1/27/98 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6150 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

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 of Substitute Bill:  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.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Provisions relating to recommendations for prohibiting nonselective fishing gear are removed.  The department, rather than the commission, must prepare the report.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Selective fishing may become a more important management strategy for the commercial fishery due to endangered species concerns.

Testimony Against:  Commercial fishers do not wish to be forced to abandon traditional fishing methods, or to see increased conflicts between different gear groups.

Testified:  Brian Edie, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Allan Hollingsworth, Grays Harbor Gillnetters (con); Terry Wright (pro); Rob Zuanich, Purse Seine Vessel Owners (con); Ed Owens, Coalition of Coastal Fisheries (con); Ian Lindsay, Puget Sound Gillnet Association (con).