SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6184

BYSenators Craswell, Conner, Metcalf, Smith, Rasmussen and Pullen

Authorizing the director of fisheries to extend fishing seasons if storms prevent fishing.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Rinehart.

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 12, 1988; January 19, 1988

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7414)

                  January 19, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 29, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Commercial fishermen often are restricted to limited open seasons which are of very short duration.  If stormy weather occurs many fishermen feel they must fish or face losing the fishing opportunity.  There is a need to allow commercial fishermen to take their quota without putting them at risk to severe stormy weather conditions.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Fisheries may allow additional fishing time to commercial fishermen to compensate for severe stormy weather conditions that would cause dangerous fishing conditions.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Lloyd Phinney, WDF; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gill Netters