SB 5347 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Directs the fish and wildlife commission to identify, establish, and expand upon specific areas throughout the state that are suitable for a juvenile fishing-only program.

     Requires the department to restrict the fishing opportunities in these waters to persons less than eighteen years of age.

     Requires some juvenile fishing-only waters to be easily accessible from urban areas so as to encourage inner-city youth to participate in fishing activities.

     Directs the department to, as is practical, utilize fish produced in fish hatcheries as a basis for the juvenile fishing opportunities in juvenile fishing-only waters.

     Directs the department to work with cooperative groups, regional fisheries enhancement groups, government agencies, Indian tribes, and civic groups for the purpose of expanding juvenile fishing-only waters throughout the state.

     Directs the department of fish and wildlife to report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the progress of the juvenile fishing-only program on or before January 31, 1998.