SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6423

BYSenators Metcalf, Vognild, Conner and Smith

Requiring the display of fishing vessel names and registration numbers.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1988; February 1, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6423 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  February 2, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 1, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Fishing vessels have been observed fishing in the commercial salmon fishery without names and numbers on the vessel.  This makes the enforcement of fishing laws and the allocation of the resource extremely difficult.

SUMMARY:

In order to maintain an orderly fishery, maintain safety and ensure adequate recording of the fish catch, and ensure the enforcement of fishing laws of the state, all vessels are required to have a name and registration number clearly displayed and visible on the vessel.  The Department of Fisheries is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to carry out this requirement.  This requirement will conform to the numbering and size requirements of the United States Coast Guard.  No person may engage in a commercial fishing activity using any vessel that does not display its name and registration number as required by law.  Violation of this provision will be a misdemeanor.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Department of Fisheries' patrol officers are required to enforce the vessel numbering and registration system of the Department of Licensing.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: James McKillip, Department of Fisheries; Don Stevens; Ginger Dawson; Mac Whittaker; Ray Nelson; Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnet Association