SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6676

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 29, 2010

Title: An act relating to changes in vessel designations on Dungeness crab-coastal fishery licenses.

Brief Description: Concerning changes in vessel designations on Dungeness crab-coastal fishery licenses.

Sponsors: Senator Hatfield.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/28/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: A commercial license holder in a fishery requiring vessel designation must do so prior to participating in that fishery. A license holder may change the vessel designation by submitting an application to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and paying a $35 fee. Generally, vessel designation changes on a license are capped at four in a calendar year.

Statute imposes a more stringent limit on the frequency for changing vessel designation in the coastal Dungeness crab fishery. Generally, DFW may change the vessel designated on a coastal Dungeness crab license to a vessel of comparable size no more than once in any two consecutive coastal crab seasons. However, DFW may make an exception to this limit if is destroyed or cannot be safely operated.

Except for emergency situations, DFW may allow only one change in vessel designation that would result in a vessel length increase of between 1 and 10 feet. Additionally, a fisher is generally prohibited from changing vessel designation: to a vessel over 99 feet long; or that would result in an increase of more than 10 feet.

Summary of Bill: The frequency by which DFW may change the vessel designated on a coastal Dungeness crab license to a vessel of comparable size is increased to once in any calendar year.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2010.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill puts vessel transfers frequency standards more in line with other commercial fisheries. The coastal crab fishery is subject to a complex management regime, and the crab fleet has worked closely with stakeholders on this proposal.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Ray Toste, Washington Dungeness Crab Fishermen's Assn.; Ed Owens, Coalition of Coastal Fisheries.