SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5763

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

Authorizing the department of fisheries to sell surplus salmon eggs.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 26, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5763 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  March 13, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

There are 130 volunteer fisheries projects being carried out under the Volunteer Fisheries Resource Program of the Department of Fisheries.  Most of these projects relate to salmon enhancement and to education programs.  Projects include egg boxes, classroom aquariums, net pens, fish planting, small hatcheries, habitat improvement, and scientific projects.  Participants include schools, private individuals, sport fishing groups, Indian tribes, and community groups.  Included in the projects are 65 salmon enhancement projects which make a contribution to the sports, commercial and tribal catches.

These volunteer cooperative projects may not sell surplus salmon eggs or carcasses on the open market.  Any eggs or salmon carcasses which are excess to the state hatchery egg requirements or cooperative's needs are sold by the Department as part of their surplus eggs sales program and the funds go into the general fund.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries may authorize the sale of surplus salmon eggs and carcasses by cooperative salmon projects which operate under permits and rules established by the Department.  The funds from such sales must defray the expenses of the cooperative project and in no instance shall the project sell quantities of surplus salmon eggs and carcasses that would accumulate a financial profit to the project.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Toimi Maki, Grays Harbor Gillnetters; Don Stevens, Curt Smitch, Department of Fisheries; Jim Youngren, Glenwood Springs Cooperative; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters Association