HB 2920 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Finds that an advisory group of affected stakeholders could assist the fish and wildlife commission and the director in establishing fishing seasons and allocation of harvestable fish in a manner that accomplishes fishery management objectives and maximizes benefits to local communities.

Provides that recreational fishing stakeholders within a watershed resource inventory area or multiple watershed resource inventory areas, as defined in RCW 90.82.020, may form a special economic fishery advisory committee by notifying the director.

Authorizes a special economic fishery advisory committee to: (1) Review and provide guidance on proposed recreational fishing seasons within a watershed resource inventory area or multiple watershed resource inventory areas;

(2) Advise the department of significant economic impacts to local economies of proposed fishing seasons; and

(3) Work with the department and commission to develop alternative fishing seasons that accomplish fishery management objectives and maximize economic benefits to local communities.