SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6647

BYSenators Metcalf, Rasmussen, Conner, Barr, Owen, Nelson, Zimmerman, von Reichbauer, Vognild, Anderson, DeJarnatt, McMullen, Craswell, Kreidler and Bauer

Requiring a plan to increase salmon production one hundred percent by the year 2000.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  March 5, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The production of more salmon in the state would benefit all fishing groups, the tourist industry, and the associated maritime industries.

The feasibility of greatly increasing salmon production is not fully known and should be investigated by the Department of Fisheries and the Legislature.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries is required to provide a specific plan to the Legislature to increase salmon production in order to achieve a goal of doubling the 1987 salmon catch level by the year 2000.  The plan is due by March 15, 1990 for the Columbia River and January 1, 1992 for Puget Sound and the Washington coast and must include a number of specific elements that are detailed in the legislation.  Recommendations of funding mechanisms and analysis of economic benefits are to be provided.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Toimi Maki, Grays Harbor Gillnetters; Kent Martin, Columbia River Fish Protective Union; Berry Jenkins; Charles Whitley, Consumer; Paul Savidge, Fisheries Action Coalition; Chuck Voss, Salmonid Foundation; Les Clark, Columbia River Gillnetter; Ernie Brannon, Citizen; Joe Williams, Tacoma Poggie Club; Ray Douglas; Wilbur Barker, Pacific Trollers; Gene Deschamps, Chehalis Indian Tribe; Bob Suggs, Sea Grant; Conrad Schloredt, Citizen; Earl Engman, Citizen; Joe Blum, Department of Fisheries

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The capital and operating costs associated with achieving the goal of doubling the salmon harvest must be included in the Department of Fisheries plan.  A grammatical change is made to a reference of the Northwest Power Planning Council.