Brief Description: Concerning Dungeness crabPuget Sound fishery licenses.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel and Brandland).

Hearing Date: 3/18/05

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

Many types of commercial fishing licenses are issued to be used with a specific vessel. The holder of these licenses are not permitted to use the license on a vessel that is not designated on the license.

Generally, a vessel may only be used in connection with one commercial license per fishery. However, there are exceptions to this rule. A person can designate the same vessel for two licenses for the Puget Sound shrimp pot fishery, the sea cucumber and sea urchin dive fisheries, and the Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery. However, the two licenses must be owned by the same person.

In the case of the Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery, a person can hold two licenses for the fishery, and designate the same vessel for both licenses. Each license entitles the holder to operate up to 100 crab pots.

Summary of Bill:

For the Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery only, two different individuals may designate the same vessel, and operate their license on that vessel.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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