AN ACT Relating to creating a fisheries 2000 council; adding a new section to chapter 75.08 RCW; making an appropriation; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 75.08 RCW to read as follows:

(1) There is created the fisheries 2000 council. The purpose of the council shall be to enhance the anadromous and resident fish populations in Washington state through the year 2010 and beyond. The committee shall develop specific recommendations on:

(a) Habitat preservation and enhancement;

(b) Habitat rehabilitation;

(d) Improved management of hatchery stocks;

(e) Enhancement and rehabilitation of wild and artificial runs;

(f) Fisheries research;

(g) Adequate funding for fisheries programs; and

(h) Fostering better cooperation among user groups.

(2) There shall be no consideration of allocation issues between:

(a) Indian and non-Indian fishers;

(b) Commercial and sports fishers;

(3) From a list of three people recommended by each of the following groups the governor shall appoint:

(a) Five representatives from commercial fishing interests, including one purse seiner, one gillnetter, one troller, one Columbia river fisher, and one processor;

(b) Five representatives from five sports groups;

(c) Five representatives from Indian tribes including one Indian fisheries commission member and four tribal representatives;

(d) Two representatives from the environmental community;

(e) Representatives from natural resource-based industries including:

(i) Agriculture/irrigation;

(ii) Timber;

(iii) Utilities; and

(iv) Developers/landowners;

(f) Northwest power council;

(g) Four legislators, one from each caucus of the senate and house of representatives;

(h) Ex officio members including:

(i) Washington cities and counties;

(ii) Washington department of fisheries;

(iii) Washington department of wildlife;

(iv) Washington department of ecology;

(v) Washington department of natural resources;

(vi) Inter agency committee for outdoor recreation;

(vii) National oceanic and atmospheric administration;

(viii) National marine fisheries service;

(ix) Puget Sound water quality authority;

(x) Washington department of agriculture; and

(xi) Soil and conservation districts.

(4) The council shall appoint and may compensate a technical advisory committee and necessary staff. Members of the advisory committee may include:

(a) Biologists from, but not limited to agencies of government, Indian tribes, higher education, and industry;

(b) Resource managers;

(d) Fisheries 2000 staff appointed under this subsection.

(5) The council may use the University of Washington schools of fisheries, center for public policy, institute for marine studies, and the sea grant program to facilitate and coordinate the fisheries 2000 responsibilities described in this section.

(6) The advisory committee shall issue a preliminary report to the senate environment and natural resources committee by January 1, 1991, and a final report with recommendations to the governor and legislature by January 1, 1992.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The sum of three hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, from the general fund to the department of fisheries for the purposes of the fisheries 2000 council.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. Sections 1 through 3 of this act shall expire January 1, 1992.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.