Brief Description: Treating a coastal crab fishery license purchased, transferred, or held by the federal government as renewed for the purposes of RCW 77.70.380.

Sponsors: Representatives Linville, Sump, Cooper, Buck and Hatfield.

Hearing Date: 2/25/03

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

The commercial coastal Dungeness crab fishery in Washington is primarily managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). In order to fish for coastal crab in the state, an individual generally must have a Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license (RCW 77.70.280).

The coastal crab fishery is managed as a closed fishery, meaning that the number of licenses is capped. In order to receive a crab-coastal fishery license, a fisher must have demonstrated prior to the end of 1995 that he or she met certain criteria relating to historic harvest levels (RCW 77.70.280 & .360). The license is, however, transferrable to another fisher that does not meet the defined criteria for license issuance (RCW 77.70.310).

If less than 175 fishers are eligible for a crab-coastal license, the DFW may issue new licences until a total of 175 licences are in place. The DFW must adopt rules for the notification, selection, and issuance of any new licenses (RCW 77.70.380).

Summary of Bill:

The DFW is required to consider a Dungeness crab license that is transferred to, purchased by, or otherwise held by the federal government as a renewed license and one of the allowed 175 coastal crab fishing licenses.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.