SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6797

BYSenators Benitz, Rasmussen, Conner, Metcalf, Patterson, Thorsness, Amondson and McMullen

Creating the fisheries 2000 council.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6797 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                March 3, 1990

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 8, 1990

BACKGROUND:

A number of government sponsored fisheries councils currently effect the management of fisheries of the state of Washington:  the Salmon Advisory Council, the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, the Pacific Salmon Commission, the Pacific Fisheries Task Force, the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, the Pacific Halibut Commission, the Northwest Power Planning Council, the Wildlife Commission, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission, the Northwest Renewable Resources Center, the Joint Select Committee on Ocean and Marine Resources, Oregon/Washington Compact, three regional advisory committees created by the director, and 12 regional fisheries management groups.  Some people believe that the establishment of an additional council would be advisable.

SUMMARY:

A Fisheries 2000 Council is created for the purposes of enhancing anadromous and resident fish populations.  A minimum of 47 people may be appointed by organizations to serve on the council and they represent diverse interests such as:  commercial fishermen, sports fishermen, tourist related industries, Indian tribes, environmentalists, agriculture, timber, utilities, developers, NW Power Planning Council, legislators, cities, countries, Department of Fisheries, Department of Wildlife, Department of Ecology, Department of Natural Resources, Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Puget Sound Water Quality Authority, Washington Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, and soil conservation districts.

The council shall appoint a technical advisory committee consisting of resource managers, researchers, and biologists.

The council shall appoint necessary staff.  A preliminary report is due to the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee by January 1, 1991.  A final report is due January 1, 1992.

Appropriation:  $49,000 from the general fund

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested January 24, 1990

Appointments by Legislature Required: Two from the Senate and two from the House of Representatives.

Senate Committee - Testified:   Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (con); Randy Ray, Salmon for Washington (pro); Jim King, Washington State Sports Council; Rob Zuanich, Purse Seine Vessel Association

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The original legislation which creates a Fisheries 2000 Council is deleted and a new council is created to review policy on the siting of floating marine fin fish aquaculture projects.