SENATE BILL REPORT

SSJM 8001

BYSenate Committee on Environment and 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

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 16, 1989; January 23, 1989

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8001 be substituted therefor, and the substitute memorial do pass.

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

Senate Staff:John Korvell (786-7473)

                March 8, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 7, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Foreign owned high seas squid fishing vessels, which use as much as 25 miles of small opening monofilament gill nets, are targeting 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 on juvenile and adult steelhead and salmon which originated in Washington State runs should 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, and to encourage full funding of the Coast Guard enforcement operations as well as review increased manpower needs for continued enforcement.

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

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   No one