FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1027

                                  C 130 L 89

BYRepresentatives R. King,  Sayan, S. Wilson, Haugen, Basich and Spanel; by request of Department of Fisheries

Clarifying the authority of the director of fisheries.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The authority of the director of the Department of Fisheries is limited by federal law with respect to certain waters.  These waters include offshore waters (marine waters off the coast beyond the three-mile limit) and concurrent waters of the Columbia River (waters that coincide with the Washington-Oregon boundary).  Several international, national, and interstate bodies adopt regulations affecting fisheries in these waters.  The director may adopt rules consistent with these regulations.

The International Pacific Halibut Commission, established in 1923, provides for joint management of halibut between the United States and Canada.

In 1985, the United States and Canada signed the Salmon Interception Treaty which, in part, terminated and replaced an earlier series of agreements that provided for the protection and preservation of the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery.

SUMMARY:

The director of the Department of Fisheries is authorized to adopt rules consistent with the International Pacific Halibut Commission along with other fishery management bodies covering areas outside the territorial boundaries of the state of Washington.  The 1985 U.S.-Canada Salmon Interception Treaty replaces earlier agreements as the basis for the director's authority in dealing with the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    45     0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989