SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6198

                    As of January 20, 1998

Title:  An act relating to fish hatchery operational policy.

Brief Description:  Changing fish hatchery operational policy.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser, Swecker, Spanel, Haugen and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/29/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  The state of Washington operates a large salmon and trout hatchery program under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Commission.  Decisions on fish hatchery operation are dictated by the wild salmonid policy management agreements negotiated with treaty Indian tribes, and internal management policy.

There is concern that state fish hatcheries could be operated in a manner that is more compatible with preservation of wild salmonids if decision making took into account more divergent viewpoints.

Summary of Bill:  A 16-member Hatchery Practices Advisory Committee is created consisting of representatives from the Fish and Wildlife Department Hatchery program, western Washington treaty tribes, eastern Washington treaty tribes, the federal government, Governor, Northwest Power Planning Council, higher education, recreational fishing interests, charter boat industry, salmon commercial fishers, environmental protection advocates, cooperative groups, regional enhancement groups, nontreaty tribes, Director of Fish and Wildlife, members of the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The advisory committee must recommend a hatchery operational policy that coordinates fish hatchery operation, is compatible with the Endangered Species Act, and provides fishery benefits.  A Salmon Genetics Board is authorized to be created to assist the advisory committee.  Issues of transplantation, fish disease transmission, genetic stock composition, and competition with natural stocks are to be addressed both in a near-term and in long-term monitoring situations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 20, 1998.

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