SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5543
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 February 14, 2013
Title: An act relating to state and private partnerships for managing salmonid hatcheries.
Brief Description: Regarding state and private partnerships for managing salmonid hatcheries.
Sponsors: Senators Hatfield and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 2/12/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Role of the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). DFW serves as manager of the state's fish and wildlife resources. Among other duties, DFW must protect and manage fish and wildlife including establishing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.
DFW Hatcheries Generally. DFW operates approximately 80 hatchery facilities throughout the state, with about 75 percent of facilities raising salmon or steelhead and 25 percent rearing trout and other game fish.
Salmon Hatchery Partnership Agreements. Seven hatcheries were identified for closure in the Governor's proposed 2009-2011 Operating Budget. In 2009, the Legislature passed a bill that required DFW to establish a program to utilize partnerships to resume or continue operation of salmon hatcheries closed or scheduled for closure during the 2009-2011 biennium.
The legislation established provisions for these agreements including:
requirements for those wishing to partner with DFW, including that the partner has a long-range business plan;
prioritization for applications that would maximize hatchery production; and
requirements that partnership agreements be consistent with existing law and policy relating to hatchery management.
Summary of Bill: The limitation on partnership agreements applying only to salmon hatcheries closed or scheduled for closure during the 2009-2011 biennium is removed, allowing such agreements to be used for any salmon hatchery.
The long-range business plan required of partners may allow the partner to harvest hatchery chum salmon in a designated area as provided by DFW permit or rule of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. All chum salmon harvested must be sold at a price commensurate with the current market, with proceeds used to operate the hatchery.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: This bill offers the state hatchery systems additional resources in order to prevent hatchery closures by allowing private partners the ability to harvest small amounts of fish. All stakeholders have agreed on substitute language after earlier negotiating.
OTHER: State hatchery systems need more resources to keep skilled classified employees working.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Tom Echols, Bob Kehoe, Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association; Kelly Cunningham, DFW.
OTHER: Matt Zuvich, WA Federation of State Employees.