HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2294

BYRepresentatives R. King, Bowman, Haugen, Morris, Brumsickle, Sayan, Spanel, Basich, Brooks, Smith, S. Wilson and Youngsman; by request of Department of Fisheries

Removing restrictions on the sale of salmon taken in test fishing operations.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

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

House Staff:Pamela Madson (786-7310)

AS PASSED HOUSE JANUARY 29, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The director of the Department of Fisheries has authority to conduct test fisheries that are used for a variety of data gathering needs. A test fishery generally consists of a small number of vessels and a limited harvest of fish.

Licensed commercial fishers submit bids annually through the state bidding process for contracts allowing their participation in the various test fisheries conducted by the Department of Fisheries.

The director also has the authority to sell fish caught during a test fishery.  Salmon caught during a test fishery can only be sold during an open commercial fishing season in the district where the fish were caught.

Though the director of the Department of Fisheries has authority to conduct test fisheries, coordination and agreement is required from the tribal governments under the Puget Sound Salmon Management Plan. Salmon management on the Columbia River includes the tribal governments and the states of Oregon and Idaho.

SUMMARY:

Sale of salmon taken during a test fishery is no longer restricted to an open commercial fishing season in the district where the fish were caught.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Paul Sekulich, Washington Department of Fisheries.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Eliminating this requirement will remove the costs of storage and handling that reduce the price received for the salmon when it is sold. Fresh salmon are usually worth more than frozen salmon.  For example, chinook salmon caught during a test fishery on the Columbia River in April cannot be sold until August when the next commercial fishery opens.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.