BILL REQ. #:  S-5329.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/08/08.   

     AN ACT Relating to the state's management of the Puget Sound commercial salmon fishery; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The department of fish and wildlife must work with appropriate commercial fishers and commercial fishing associations to consider ways to facilitate the commercial harvest of Puget Sound salmon in a manner that conserves the resource, maintains the economic well-being of the fishing industry, promotes orderly fisheries, and enhances and improves commercial fishing in the state in accordance with the intent of RCW 77.04.012. These discussions must consider the impacts of economic changes that impact commercial fisheries over time, and keep in mind the well-being of all aspects of the Puget Sound commercial salmon industry. These discussions are meant to address current issues within the commercial fishing industry, and will not affect noncommercial fisheries or fishing interests. The department of fish and wildlife must provide a summary of these discussions, recommendations, and outcomes to the appropriate committees of the legislature by November 1, 2008.
     (2) The department of fish and wildlife must carry out the requirements of this section within existing funds.
     (3) This section expires December 31, 2008.