SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5126

BYSenators Owen, Metcalf and Stratton

Requiring recreational divers license to take fish or shellfish with skin or scuba diving gear.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1987

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

AS OF JANUARY 28, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Recreational divers currently harvest by spearfishing over 160,000 pounds of bottomfish each year from Washington marine waters.  This harvest accounts for approximately 7 percent of the recreational harvest poundage.  The most commonly harvested species by divers are lingcod and rockfish.  Divers also harvest shellfish, such as:  crabs, scallops, abalone, sea urchins and octopus.

There are currently no requirements for licensing of divers that spear fish or collect shellfish.

SUMMARY:

Divers are required to have a recreational diving license to take or possess food fish and shellfish.  Resident fees are $3 annually and nonresident fees are $9 annually.

The taking of salmon by divers is prohibited.

Fiscal Note:      requested