H-723                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 223

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1987 Regular Session

By Representatives Sutherland, Peery, Nutley, L. Smith, Sanders, Cooper, Rayburn, Holm and Bumgarner

Read first time 1/22/87 and referred to Committee on Natural Resources.

AN ACT Relating to recreational fishing for salmon and sturgeon; amending RCW 75.12.132; and adding a new section to chapter 75.08 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 75.08 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) The salmon and sturgeon of the Columbia River and its tributaries and of the Pacific Coast and coastal rivers represent a valuable resource presenting a unique opportunity to develop a fishing industry serving both commercial and sports needs while building a strong economy in southwest Washington.  To assist in developing the economy, the department shall take the steps necessary to:  (a) Enhance the weak north coast coho stocks, (b) represent sport fishing interests to regional fish allocation bodies as the highest priority, (c) coordinate fish allocation with the troll fishery recognizing their significance in the coastal economy, and (d) establish a timetable for eliminating gillnet fishing below the Megler-Astoria Bridge.

          (2) To maximize the recreational fishing opportunities for salmon and sturgeon on the Columbia River and its tributaries and along the Pacific Coast and in the coastal rivers, the department shall work with other state agencies and local governments to develop any necessary facilities.  The department shall endeavor to develop stable recreational fishing seasons and harvest levels which minimize conflicts with commercial fisheries and provide stability for the fisheries.  In the Columbia River and its tributaries and in the Pacific Coast and the coastal rivers, the department shall promote and place the highest priority on sports fishing.

          (3) The director shall report to the legislature by January 1, 1988, on the plans to maximize sports fisheries on the Columbia River and its tributaries and along the Pacific Coast and in the coastal rivers.  The report will recommend any necessary changes in law or rules, identify new facilities needed, their development costs, the location and time necessary for development, and alternative management strategies available to increase fishing opportunities for both bank and boat fishermen, including the fishery below the Megler-Astoria Bridge and in the ocean.  The report shall also identify a means of providing stability to commercial trollers.  This may include steps to reduce the number of licenses for trollers.  The department shall work with commercial fishing groups and the appropriate legislative committees in preparing this report.

        Sec. 2.  Section 1, chapter 245, Laws of 1983 as amended by section 5, chapter 80, Laws of 1984 and RCW 75.12.132 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) It is unlawful to fish for or take salmon commercially with a net within the waters of the tributaries and sloughs described in subsection (2) of this section which flow into or are connected with the Columbia river.

          (2) The director shall adopt rules defining geographical boundaries of the following Columbia river tributaries and sloughs:

          (a) Washougal river;

          (b) Camas slough;

          (c) Lewis river;

          (d) Kalama river;

          (e) Cowlitz river;

          (f) Elokomin river;

          (g) Elokomin sloughs;

          (h) Skamokawa sloughs;

          (i) Grays river;

          (j) Deep river;

          (k) Grays bay.

          (((3) The director may authorize commercial net fishing for salmon in the tributaries and sloughs from September 1 to November 30 if the time, areas and level of effort are regulated in order to maximize the recreational fishing opportunity while minimizing excess returns of fish to hatcheries.  The director shall not authorize commercial net fishing if a significant catch of steelhead would occur.))