SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5436

                    As of January 26, 1999

Title:  An act relating to abandoned fishing nets.

Brief Description:  Creating a program to recover abandoned fishing nets.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser, Morton, Eide, Swecker, Rasmussen, McAuliffe, Fairley, Oke, Patterson and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/3/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  There are an undetermined number of fishing nets abandoned or lost in state waters.  They pose a risk of trapping and killing fish, including salmon.  It is believed that a program to locate and remove these nets will help to increase the number of salmon and other fish.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Fish and Wildlife is allocated funds and directed to coordinate efforts to remove abandoned fishing nets.  These efforts may be from private groups.  A progress report is due February 1, 2000.

Appropriation:  $200,000.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 22, 1999.

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