FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1490

                         C 103 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing the landing of salmon caught in other states' offshore waters in Washington ports.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Natural Resources  (Originally sponsored by Representatives Hatfield, Doumit, Buck and Kessler).

House Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation

Background:

Commercial fishers must obtain a license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to deliver food fish or shellfish, that have been taken in offshore waters to a port in the state.  "Offshore waters" are marine waters of the Pacific Ocean outside the territorial boundaries of the state, including the marine waters of other states and countries.  

In addition, a salmon delivery license is required to deliver salmon taken in offshore waters to a port in the state.  Such a license must be obtained in addition to a regular fishing license, and does not authorize the actual harvesting of fish.  The fee for a salmon delivery license is $380 for a resident, and $685 for a nonresident.  An additional $100 is charged and dedicated to the regional fisheries enhancement group account.  If a person holds a nonlimited entry delivery license, that fee may be applied to the fee for a salmon delivery license.

Persons holding a salmon troll license need not obtain a separate delivery license.

Summary:

Washington citizens who hold California or Oregon salmon troll license may land legally taken salmon into Washington ports without obtaining a separate salmon delivery license.  The exception only applies to salmon caught south of Cape Falcon, Oregon, in marine waters of the Pacific Ocean which are outside the territorial limits of Washington. 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife must adopt rules, including provisions identifying appropriate methods verifying that salmon were in fact taken south of Cape Falcon.

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate401

Effective:July 25, 1999