FINAL BILL REPORT

SSJM 8001

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Metcalf, Rasmussen, DeJarnatt, Sutherland, Amondson and McMullen)

Requesting that sanctions be brought against foreign nations which harvest Washington state salmon.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

Foreign owned high seas squid fishing vessels use up to 25 miles of small opening monofilament gill nets to target juvenile and adult steelhead and salmon for capture, rather than squid.  This depletes the salmon and steelhead runs in Washington State.  Serious economic and conservation impacts are being felt.

SUMMARY:

The interception by foreign high seas squid fisheries of juvenile and adult steelhead and salmon, which originated in Washington State runs, are to be curtailed.  This memorial requests Congress to instruct the Secretary of State to pursue sanctions against the abusing foreign fishing nations, instruct the National Marine Fisheries Services and Coast Guard to enforce applicable fisheries regulations, encourage full funding of the Coast Guard enforcement operations, and review increased manpower needs for continued enforcement.

The Secretary of State is instructed to pursue "no fishing zones" in the world's oceans so that juvenile fish returning to waters of origin may safely collect and return.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   47    0

     House 96  0