SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5342

BYSenators Owen, Stratton, DeJarnatt and Conner

Requiring active use of a salmon charter boat license and providing fees for angler permits.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, McDonald, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  February 2, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Salmon charter boat operators are required to possess angler permits for the number of anglers fishing from a charter boat.  The Department of Fisheries issues angler permits without charge.

Many angler permits are not used but are held "in reserve" for future use.  There is concern that the angler permits which are not currently used could be used to expand the fishing capacity of the charter fleet in the future.

SUMMARY:

Each angler permit which is held in excess of the United States Coast Guard vessel certification number is subject to a $100 annual renewal fee.  The Department of Fisheries shall require persons who renew their angler permits to provide information on the United States Coast Guard vessel certification.

Small charter boats, which are not subject to United States Coast Guard certification, may hold up to seven angler permits without annual charge; permits in excess of seven anglers shall be subject to an annual charge of $100 each.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Phil Anderson, Washington State Charter Boat Association; Curt Smitch, Department of Fisheries; Lynn Hagen, Westport Charter Boat Association