Brief Description: Concerning coastal crab fisheries licenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Buck and Takko.

Hearing Date: 1/31/06

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The Fish and Wildlife Commission has the authority to adopt rules for commercial fisheries, including specifying the gear and equipment that may be used to take fish and shellfish. A Dungeness crab coastal fishery license is required to commercially fish for coastal crab in Washington waters. The Legislature created a limited entry coastal crab fishing license that became effective on January 1, 1995. As part of the limitation program, there are certain length restrictions on the ability of a coastal crab fishery license holder to designate vessels for use under a license. A license holder may not change designation to a vessel whose hull length exceeds 99 feet. Also, a license holder may not change designation to a vessel that exceeds the length of the currently designated vessel by more than 10 feet. Additionally, a license holder may generally change designation to a vessel between one and 10 feet longer than the currently designated vessel no more than once in any five consecutive coastal crab seasons.

Summary of Bill:

A Dungeness crab coastal fishery license holder may request that the Department of Fish and Wildlife change designation to a vessel between one and 10 feet longer than the designated vessel no more than once, rather than once in any five consecutive coastal crab seasons.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.