SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5669

BYSenators Metcalf, DeJarnatt and Benitz

Implementing salmon enhancement for the year 2000.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1989; February 27, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  February 27, 1989

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

BACKGROUND:

The last major salmon enhancement program in Washington state was initiated in 1977.  Since then salmon production has reached a plateau, and many people believe that additional investments in salmon production are now necessary to meet the future demands that will be placed on the salmon resource.

In 1988 the Legislature approved a "salmon 2000" plan for doubling the salmon resource by the year 2000.  The Department of Fisheries will report back to the Legislature in 1990 and 1992.  There is considerable interest in early implementation of certain enhancement projects in order to achieve the goal of doubling the salmon runs by the year 2000.

SUMMARY:

Salmon enhancement projects are authorized for a number of early implementation elements:

      (1)  Pink or chum salmon spawning channel or net pen project.

      (2)  Net pen recreational fishery project.

      (3)  Habitat improvement projects.

      (4)  Reopening closed hatcheries.

      (5)  New hatchery on Wynoochee River.

      (6)  Re-establishment of salmon runs behind hydroelectric dams.

Guidelines are given to the director of the Department of Fisheries to assure that the projects are based on sound enhancement principles.  The director is given the authority to implement the program and to allocate funds between the projects.

Appropriation:    $6 million from the general fund

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 18, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Bob Lake, Willapa Gillnetters; Toimi Maki, Grays Harbor Gillnetters; Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries; Tom Pentt, Grays Harbor Fisheries Enhancement Task Force