SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1056

BYHouse Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife (originally sponsored by Representatives Sayan, R. King, Smith, Vekich and Belcher; by request of Department of Fisheries)

Regulating herring spawn on kelp.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 21, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Bauer, Benitz, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  March 21, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 21, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Herring eggs are adhesive and the spawning herring lay their eggs on marine substrate such as rocks, pilings or marine vegetation.  Herring spawn which is attached to bull kelp leaves is considered a delicacy to some people, and it commands a high price.  Herring can be captured near spawning time, placed in net pens with kelp, and induced to spawn on the kelp to produce a commercial spawn on kelp product.  The herring which survive spawning are then released into open waters.

Spawn on kelp is an experimental industry in Washington State and it needs to be closely monitored for conservation reasons.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature encourages the development of herring spawn on kelp as a proper management of the herring resource.  The number of herring spawn on kelp permits is regulated by the Department of Fisheries.  Herring spawn on kelp permits shall be sold at auction to the highest bidder.  Kelp sources must be identified by the bidder.  All herring validation holders are eligible to bid on spawn on kelp permits.  Herring spawn on kelp is excluded from the definition of private sector cultured aquatic products.  Proceeds from the sale of herring spawn on kelp permits are to be used for herring management, enhancement and enforcement.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 31, 1989

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The number of herring spawn on kelp permits is restricted to five annually.

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Sayan, original sponsor (pro); Darrell Kapp, herring fisherman (con); Mark Pedersen, Department of Fisheries (pro)