SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5136

BYSenators Owen, Metcalf, Amondson, Moore and Smith

Creating a fish identification card to allow greater accuracy in punchcard use.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1989; January 24, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  January 18, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 17, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Sports fishermen identify the species of salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout caught by the use of a punch card system.  When a fish is caught, the fisherman attempts to identify the species and writes it on the record which the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife use in their fisheries management programs.  Many fishermen do not fish often enough to properly identify the species which they catch. 

The information on punch cards is necessary for proper management of the fishery and it is important that the information be accurate since such information affects the salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout programs. 

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife must develop a fish identification card.  The card is designed to give the public clear ways to identify the species of fish which they have caught.  The departments will work jointly to design a plastic card which will differentiate various species of salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout.  They shall be identified by color, markings and other physical attributes.  The card will be sold by fish license dealers at cost plus an amount to recover the appropriation.  The departments shall establish the cost of the card and ensure distribution.  An appropriation of $5,000 from the general fund to the Department of Fisheries is made for the purpose of the initial design and production of the card.

Appropriation:    $5,000 from the general fund to the Department of Fisheries

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 11, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (con)