Title: An act relating to a crab pot buoy tag program.

Brief Description: Modifying provisions concerning the administration of a crab pot buoy tag program.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/23/06, 2/1/06 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair; Oke, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Morton, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: In 2005, the Legislature created a crab pot buoy tag program in order to regulate the fishery and to keep track of harvest. The buoy tags allow for a more orderly fishery. Recent management agreements with other states require clarification in the buoy tag program to ensure out-of-state fishers are covered by Washington's requirements.

Summary of Bill: Out-of-state fishers are required to purchase and use buoy tags.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2006.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This is a housekeeping measure which makes it very clear that buoy tags will be required for out-of-state fishers.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Phil Anderson, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Ed Owens, Coalition of Coastal Fishers; Ray Toste, Willapa Dungeness Crab Fishers Association.