H-795                _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 1707

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Sayan, Patrick, Zellinsky, Belcher and Anderson

Read first time 2/3/89 and referred to Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife.

AN ACT Relating to commercial fishing in Hood Canal; creating a new section; and adding a new section to chapter 75.12 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds and declares the following:

          (1) The fishery resources of Hood Canal are critical to the social and economic needs of the citizens of the state of Washington.

          (2) The pristine waters of Hood Canal allow for unique recreational fishing opportunities.

          (3) Recreational fishing success in Hood Canal has declined in recent years, impacting the way of life enjoyed by state citizens and reducing tourism which is important to the local economy.

          (4) Additional enhancement of salmon runs in Hood Canal directed at recreationally important salmon species is needed to improve recreational fishing.  Such enhancement should be focused on "resident" salmon enhancement.

          (5) Commercial fishing in Hood Canal has contributed to the decline in recreational fishing success and should be banned.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 75.12 RCW to read as follows:

          It is unlawful to fish for or take food fish, except for chum salmon, commercially with any type of gear in Hood Canal south of the Hood Canal floating bridge, effective January 1, 1990, through December 31, 1991.