HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1037

BYRepresentatives Haugen, S. Wilson, R. King, May, Zellinsky, Basich, Leonard, P. King, Jones and Gallagher

Creating the marine fish enhancement research program.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (10)

      Signed by Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair; S. Wilson, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bowman, Brooks, Cole, Smith, Spanel and Vekich.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Haugen.

House Staff:Robert Butts (786-7841)

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Majority Report:  The substitute bill by Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife as amended by Committee on Appropriations be substituted therefor and the substitute bill as amended do pass.  (26)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Grant, Vice Chair; H. Sommers, Vice Chair; Silver, Ranking Republican Member; Appelwick, Belcher, Bowman, Braddock, Brekke, Bristow, Brough, Dorn, Ebersole, Hine, May, McLean, Nealey, Padden, Peery, Rust, Sayan, Spanel, Sprenkle, Valle, Wang and Wineberry.

House Staff:      Randy Acker (786-7136)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS MARCH 4, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Marine fish are species of fish that spend their entire lives in saltwater, and include, but are not limited to, halibut, flatfish (e.g. sole, flounders), rockfish, cod, and hake.

The commercial and recreational catch of marine fish in Washington waters has been increasing over the past several decades.  This increase is due in large part to the increasing market demand for marine fish, which has resulted in higher ex-vessel prices, and a reduction in the availability of salmon.

There is a concern that the increase in fishing pressure has resulted in reductions of certain species, and that efforts should be taken to enhance populations through artificial propagation, as is now widely done with salmon.

The State of California reached a similar conclusion in 1983, and created an artificial propagation, rearing, and stocking research program in an effort to replenish marine fish stocks.  California's research effort has concentrated on white sea bass and California halibut.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  A marine fish enhancement research program is created to support research on the propagation, rearing, and stocking of marine fish species important to sport and commercial fishers.

The research program is administered by the Department of Fisheries, with guidance provided by an advisory panel composed of representatives from the trawl, commercial halibut, and charter boat industries; recreational fishers; the scientific community; and the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service.

A fund is established in the custody of the state treasury.  Funding for the program shall come from the sale of a marine fish enhancement research stamp that is required when commercial fishers and charter boat vessels fish for marine fish.  The stamp fee is $30.00.

The marine fish enhancement research stamp will be required starting January 1, 1990, and the program is subject to a "sunset" review in five years.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  In the original bill, the research program was administered by the University of Washington Sea Grant Program.  In the substitute, the program is managed by the Department of Fisheries.

The fee for commercial fishers and charter boat vessels was raised from $10 to $30, and the $1 fee for recreational anglers was deleted.

CHANGES PROPOSED BY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS:  A $1 marine fish enhancement research stamp is required on personal use licenses.  Project funding for specific species must be divided based on the relative financial contribution of the sport and commercial fisheries.

Revenue:    The bill has a revenue impact.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 28, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Fisheries & Wildlife) Louie Echols, U of WA Sea Grant Program;  Bob Lake, Willapa Bay Gillnetters Association; and Toimi Make, Grays Harbor Gillnetters.

(Appropriations) Representative Haugen.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Fisheries & Wildlife) Phil Anderson, Washington Charter Boat Association; and W.H. Marshburn, retired citizen.

(Appropriations) None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Fisheries & Wildlife) It makes sense to invest in the resource before it gets into trouble.  The program would benefit all fishermen.

(Appropriations) The state does little concerning marine fish and there is a real need for research.  This bill will help start that needed research.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Fisheries & Wildlife) The success of artificial propagation of marine fish is questionable, and thus the long-term benefits of the program are doubtful.  Recreational anglers would not likely benefit, and another recreational fee is not justified.  The program should be administered by the Department of Fisheries.

(Appropriations) None Presented.