SB 5736 - DIGEST

     Finds that it is necessary to allow returning salmon to spawn if salmon populations are ever to return to self-sustaining levels.

     Declares the purpose of this act is to allow all returning salmon to spawn, without prejudice to their origin, and to provide technical assistance to stakeholders in supplementation efforts to rebuild salmon stocks to self-sustaining levels.

     Provides that, unless prohibited by a federal agency, the department must make viable eggs available for propagation in watersheds where supplementation of fish runs is needed to assist in rebuilding sustainable populations of fish.  The department must give priority to watersheds that have made habitat restoration improvements in distributing the eggs.

     Declares that providing salmon eggs to volunteer groups, federally approved Indian tribes, and governmental hatcheries is the department's highest priority in providing eggs for propagation.