SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5422

BYSenators Owen, Rasmussen and Barr

Prohibiting taking of bottomfish with trawling gear.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1987; March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Barr, Conner, Craswell, McDonald, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  March 20, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 19, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries currently prohibits commercial bottom trawling in several areas of Puget Sound.  Bottom trawling is prohibited primarily because of conflicts with the recreational fishery.

There is concern that bottom trawling may adversely affect marine fish and shellfish habitat, and that it competes with the recreational fishery.

SUMMARY:

Commercial bottom trawling for bottom fish, by Indian and non-Indian fishermen, is prohibited in Hood Canal and Puget Sound south of Point-No-Point.

The Indian and non-Indian bottom trawl bottomfish fisheries in Hood Canal are prohibited.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Curt Smith, Washington Department of Fisheries; Mark Peterson, Washington Department of Fisheries; Ron Schaell, Steelheaders; Ollie Burns, Trout Unlimited; George Hayes, beach seiner; Al Plancich, Sea Foods West; Tom Fitchitt, Trout Unlimited; Margret Koke, AJR Fisheries; Mike Zittle, marina operator; Dana Dolan, commercial fisherman; Vern Tweeten, commercial fisherman; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters; Ethyl Gunderson, beach seiner