SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1648

BYRepresentatives R. King, Basich, S. Wilson, Cole, Haugen and Spanel

Regulating commercial crab fishing in coastal waters.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 27, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bauer, Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  March 27, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 27, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Anyone who purchases a Department of Fisheries commercial crab license may commercial fish in coastal waters for crab.

There is concern that a moratorium on the issuance of new crab licenses would lead to a more manageable fishery.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Fisheries may impose a moratorium on the issuance of new commercial crab licenses for coastal areas.  The department shall conduct a study on the need for a license moratorium on coastal commercial crab fisheries, and shall report to the Legislature on January 1, 1991.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

A technical change is made to correct an RCW reference.

Appropriation:    $25,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Ernie Sommers, crab fisherman (pro); Loren Stern, Department of Fisheries (pro)