HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESHB 283

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives K. Wilson, Kremen, Haugen, S. Wilson, R. King, Basich and Holm)

Requiring unauthorized commercial fishing vessels in state waters to stow fishing gear or keep it unavailable.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Majority Report:     The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (17)

     Signed by Representatives Sutherland, Chair; K. Wilson, Vice Chair; Amondson, Basich, Beck, Belcher, Bumgarner, Cole, Fuhrman, Hargrove, Haugen, R. King, Meyers, Sayan, C. Smith, Spanel and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Bill Koss (786-7129)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 20, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In several fisheries, Canadian vessels sell their catch in Washington ports.  In the case of salmon, Canadians can receive higher prices than Washington fishermen for two reasons:  (1) better fish condition, owing to their capture further from the fish spawning areas; and (2) fish caught earlier in the season receive higher prices.

Canadian federal law requires foreign fishing vessels traveling through their waters to stow all fishing gear below decks or render it temporarily inoperable.

SUMMARY:

Commercial fishing vessels not licensed to fish in Washington waters must not have their salmon fishing gear placed where it may be readily accessible for salmon fishing, or stowed below the deck, when in state waters.

Fiscal Note:    Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Steve Arbaugh and Don Sobjack, Puget Sound Gillnetters Association.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     Washington's fish resources will be protected by ensuring that out-of-state vessels cannot catch fish in Washington waters.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.