SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6696

BYSenator Metcalf

Allowing shrimp bottom trawling in certain areas.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 23, 1990; January 31, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6696 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                January 31, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, JANUARY 31, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Bottom trawling for food fish and shellfish was prohibited in mid and southern Puget Sound and in Hood Canal by SSB 5348 in the 1989 legislative session.  There is concern that a bottom trawl fishery for shrimp and other shellfish could occur without harming food fish stocks.

SUMMARY:

The prohibition on bottom trawling for shellfish in Puget Sound south of Foulweather Bluff and in Hood Canal is repealed.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Bottom trawling for shrimp is allowed north of Edmonds in Puget Sound in areas deeper than 30 fathoms or more than one-half mile from shore.  Shrimp trawls in these areas shall not exceed 20 feet in width across the front opening.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Loren Sterm, Department of Fisheries (pro)