SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5106

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES,

                       FEBRUARY 10, 1993

Brief Description:  Providing moneys for the fish and wildlife enhancement program.

SPONSORS: Senators Owen, Sutherland, Oke, Snyder and L. Smith

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Erwin, Franklin, Oke, and Snyder.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 29, 1993; February 10, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The fisheries and wildlife volunteer cooperative enhancement program was established by the Legislature in 1984.  Funding was provided from the aquatic lands enhancement account.  The Department of Fisheries sells adult salmon which return to hatcheries and salmon eggs which are surplus to their needs. These funds are deposited in the general fund.  Additional funding is necessary to expand the cooperative enhancement program.

SUMMARY:

Funds from the sales of salmon and salmon eggs are deposited into the aquatic lands enhancement account for exclusive use for volunteer cooperative fish and wildlife enhancement projects.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested January 19, 1993

TESTIMONY FOR:

The cooperative program needs more funding and revenue generated from carcass and egg sales should be reinvested in the fishery.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The Department of Fisheries does not like dedicated funds.

TESTIFIED:  Greg Mueller, Tacoma Poggie Club; Joe Latourette, Washington Wildlife Federation (pro); Bob Lake, Willapa Bay Gillnet Association (pro); Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (con)