SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5062

BYSenator Smith

Enhancing sturgeon aquaculture in Washington state.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 17, 1989

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

AS OF JANUARY 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state of Washington has a valuable sturgeon fishery which is based entirely on naturally spawning sturgeon stocks.  Aquaculture of sturgeon has been practiced for many years in other countries and has proven to be a successful industry.  There is considerable potential to develop private aquaculture of sturgeon in Washington and to use the same technology to improve the public sturgeon fisheries.

SUMMARY:

The director of the Department of Fisheries shall explore the opportunities for using sturgeon aquaculture to improve the public fisheries.  Native sturgeon broodstock are to be collected for purposes of obtaining viable sturgeon eggs, and the department shall control the supply of viable sturgeon eggs.  Public aquaculture projects shall have a higher priority than private aquaculture for purposes of receiving eggs or juvenile sturgeon from the department.  Eggs or juvenile sturgeon shall be sold to private aquaculturists at fair market value and the funds from the sale are to be placed in a sturgeon enhancement account.  The sturgeon enhancement account shall be used for the department's sturgeon aquaculture program, which shall include the release of sturgeon to enhance the public fisheries.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 10, 1989