HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 2107

Title:An act relating to limiting fishing of shrimp.

Brief Description: Limiting fishing of shrimp.

Sponsors: Representatives Anderson and Linville.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Meeting Date: February 24, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Carole Richmond, Analyst (786-7114)

Background:

Emerging commercial fisheries

An Aemerging commercial fishery@ means the commercial taking of a newly classified species of food fish or shellfish, the commercial taking of a classified species with gear not previously used for that species, or the commercial taking of a classified species in an  area from which that species has not been previously taken. (RCW 75.28.740)   The purpose of the designation is to allow scientific data to be collected on fishery impacts. 

The director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife may by rule designate a fishery as an emerging commercial fishery.  The director must include in the designation whether the fishery is one that requires a vessel.  Within five years after adopting rules to govern the number of participants in an emerging commercial fishery, the director shall provide a report to the Legislature which outlines the status of the fishery and a recommendation as to whether a separate commercial fishery license, license fee, or limited harvest program should be established for that fishery.

A person may not take food fish or shellfish in a fishery designated as an emerging commercial fishery without an emerging commercial fishery license and a permit from the director.  Two permit types are created: a trial fishery permit, which is issued if the number of participants in an emerging commercial fishery does not need to be restricted; and an experimental fishery permit, which is issued if the number of participants in an emerging commercial fishery does need to be restricted.

In 1994, Puget Sound shrimp pot and Puget Sound shrimp trawl were designated as emerging commercial fisheries for which vessels are required.  The rule also establishes that Puget Sound shrimp may only be fished with an experimental fishery permit, determines who may qualify for obtaining a permit, and limits the transferability of the permits.

Limited Entry Fisheries

A limited entry fishery is one that controls the amount of fishing effort by restricting the number of operators or vessels.

Summary of Bill:

The Puget Sound shrimp emerging commercial fishery management regime is transferred to a limited entry fishery management regime.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife, in cooperation with the Puget Sound shrimp fishing industry, shall define the limited entry management regime for Puget Sound shrimp and shall report to the Legislature by December 31, 1999.  The report shall include the transferability of licenses, the number of fishers, and gear limitations. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:     Not requested.

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