SENATE 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

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 1, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, Craswell, Metcalf, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  April 1, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, APRIL 1, 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 have their salmon fishing gear placed where it may not be readily accessible for salmon fishing, or stowed below the deck, when in state waters.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative K. Wilson, original sponsor; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters; Greg Bloom, Fish Processors