SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5495

BYSenate Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Stratton, McDonald, DeJarnatt, Patterson, West, Saling and Barr)

Revising provisions relating to taking food fish for personal use.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987; February 24, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5495 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  March 13, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Recreational salmon fishermen between the ages of 16 and 69 are required to purchase a salmon angling license (punchcard).  There are no other licensing requirements of recreational food fish fishermen.

The Department of Fisheries has stated that licensing of all food fish recreational anglers would increase opportunities for federal funding of state fishery programs, as well as providing more funding for the state general fund.

SUMMARY:

A personal use license is required for recreational harvesting of food fish except for carp and sturgeon on the Columbia River above Chief Joseph Dam.  The fee for the annual license is $3 for residents and $9 for nonresidents.  Charter boat or other food fish anglers may purchase a two-day combined license/punchcard for $3.  Salmon punchcards are also required for people who fish for salmon with an annual license, the fee for salmon punchcards is $3.  Salmon punchcards are valid for a maximum catch of 15 fish.

Licensing reciprocity with Oregon is extended to Leadbetter Point if Oregon approves license reciprocity of Washington licenses southward to Cape Falcon.  A punchcard is authorized for sturgeon, lingcod, or halibut; the fee is $3.  The dealer's fee for a Department of Fisheries license is set at 50 cents each.  Fees from the sale of licenses and punchcards are deposited in the general fund for appropriation to the salmon, marine fish and shellfish programs of the Department.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ray Nelson, commercial fisherman; Curt Smitch, Department of Fisheries; Phil Anderson, Washington Charter Association; Bob Petersen, Port of Ilwaco