FINAL BILL REPORT

2SHB 1725

C 318 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning catch record cards.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Cooper and Upthegrove).

House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife

Background:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) requires recreational fishers to report their harvest activity on catch record cards for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Catch record cards are provided free with the purchase of a license and must be used by recreational fishers to report each fish caught. Catch estimates generated by the catch record card system are used by the WDFW to manage fisheries.

The Director of the WDFW must establish by rule the conditions and fees for issuing duplicate licenses. Fees for duplicate licenses, permits, tags, and stamps may not exceed the actual cost for issuing the duplicate license.

A personal use saltwater, freshwater, combination, or temporary license is required for all persons 15 years of age or older to fish for or possess fish taken for personal use from state or offshore waters. Temporary fishing licenses are issued either as a license document requiring personal identification or as a stamp. Charter boats may sell temporary fishing license stamps to customers which are valid for two consecutive days.

The WDFW manages selective fisheries allowing the harvest of hatchery salmon while protecting depressed stocks of wild salmon. Hatchery fish are marked by clipping their adipose fin, allowing fishers to differentiate hatchery fish from wild stocks.

Summary:

Additional and duplicate catch record cards cost $10 each. Funds received from the sale of catch record cards must be deposited in the Wildlife Fund. Fees for duplicate catch record cards may exceed the cost of issuing the duplicate card.

Charter boat operators issuing temporary licenses must affix a charter boat stamp to each catch record card before a person fishes. Catch record cards issued with affixed temporary charter stamps are valid for two consecutive days and are not subject to the $10 charge.

The WDFW must include provisions for recording marked and unmarked salmon on catch record cards issued after March 31, 2004.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 91  3

Senate 49  0    (Senate amended)

House 92  6    (House concurred)

Effective: April 1, 2004