SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5763

BYSenators 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)

                  February 26, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 26, 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 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.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries may authorize the sale of surplus salmon eggs by cooperative salmon projects which operate under permits granted 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 that would accumulate a financial profit to that project.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

In addition to salmon eggs, salmon carcasses may be sold subject to rules which will be adopted by the Department of Fisheries under RCW 34.04.

Fiscal Note:      requested

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