SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5379

BYSenators Owen, DeJarnatt, Conner and Rasmussen

Providing for the enhancement of Grays Harbor salmon production.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 11, 1987; February 12, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  February 12, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 2, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Deccio, Fleming, Hayner, Kreidler, McDonald, Moore, Owen, Saling, Talmadge, Warnke.

Senate Staff:Charles Langen (786-7715)

                  March 12, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 11, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Grays Harbor salmon resources have been depressed for many years.  Attempts to enhance Grays Harbor salmon runs have been only partially successful.  The reasons for low salmon survival in the Harbor have not been evaluated, and many people believe that the salmon runs could be improved if the proper research was undertaken.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries shall conduct a comprehensive biological study to determine the field conditions causing low salmon survival in Grays Harbor.  The Department may contract with the University of Washington College of Fisheries and/or with the Grays Harbor Community College to assist in the study.

A preliminary report is due by December, 1987.  A detailed analysis must be completed by December, 1988.  The Department shall propose legislation to achieve meaningful enhancement of the salmon resources of Grays Harbor, including enhancement proposals for the upper Chehalis River and a hatchery on the Wynooche River.

Appropriation:    $400,000 from the general fund

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: NATURAL RESOURCES:  Curt Smitch, Department of Fisheries; Toimi Maki, Grays Harbor Gillnetters; Robert Watson, NW Steelheaders; Richard Good, Washington State Trollers Association; Gene Deshamps, Chehalis Indian Tribe; Kay Bernathy, citizen; Janet Richardson, Grays Harbor Regional Planning Commission; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters; Ray Nelson, Commercial Fisherman; Rich Poelker, Game Department

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  No one