HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1490

Title:An act relating to the delivery of salmon into the ports of the state.

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

Sponsors:Representatives Hatfield, Doumit, Buck and Kessler.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Meeting Date:February 9, 1999

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Josh Weiss, Counsel  (786-7129)

Background:Currently, commercial fishers must obtain a license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in order to deliver food fish or shellfish, which have been taken in offshore waters, to a port in the state.  RCW 75.28.010(1)(b).  AOffshore waters@ are marine waters of the Pacific Ocean outside the territorial boundaries of the state, including the marine waters of other states and countries.  RCW 75.08.011(9). 

In addition, a salmon delivery license is required to deliver salmon taken in offshore waters to a port in the state.  RCW 75.28.113.  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.  RCW 75.28.110(4).

Summary of Bill:Allows persons who hold a California or Oregon salmon troll license to land legally-taken salmon into Washington ports, without obtaining a separate salmon delivery license.  The exception only applies to salmon caught in offshore waters south of Cape Falcon, Oregon.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife must develop methods for identifying that salmon were in fact taken south of Cape Falcon.  Such methods must be adopted into administrative rule.

Appropriation:None.

Fiscal Note:Not requested.

Effective Date:Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Rulemaking Authority:Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.