SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5026

                    As of January 26, 1999

Title:  An act relating to fisheries.

Brief Description:  Providing for fishing quotas.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/3/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  The commercial salmon fishery in Washington State has been conducted with a limited entry management system since the mid 1970s.  Under this system, a licensed fisher is free to compete with other licensed fishers in closely controlled fishing opportunities.  No limit exists on the number of salmon a fisher may catch and land.

The individual fishing quota (IFQ) system is a relatively new concept that provides a defined privilege to each fisher known as a quota share.  Fishers may catch their share at any time during the season.  The pressure for fishers to operate in rough weather conditions is removed with the IFQ system.

Summary of Bill:  The Fish and Wildlife Commission must adopt an IFQ system similar to the one defined in the federal register.  The program must include provisions to assure that quota shares are not held by too few fishers, that vessel restrictions are enacted to equalize profitability, that individual fisher qualification standards are set, that the salmon gill net and salmon purse seine fisheries are managed by IFQs, and that areas in the San Juan/Point Roberts, Hood Canal, Everett, Admiralty Inlet, and Puget Sound areas are covered under IFQs.

The commission must report back to the Legislature by December 1, 1999.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 26, 1999.

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