SB 5508-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that increased harvest data accuracy is needed for the recreational crab fishery and this goal can be accomplished through the establishment of a crab catch record card system.

     Provides that the department shall utilize data from the crab catch record cards in preparing catch reports and in catch-sharing negotiations.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5508-S

                   May 18, 1999

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 2 and 3, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5508 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to catch record card requirements for recreational crab fishers;"

     Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5508 requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to utilize crab catch record cards in determining the recreational harvest of crab.  Sections 2 and 3 of the bill would require recreational Dungeness crab fishers to have catch record cards on July 15, 1999, before they could fish.  While I support the intent of this bill, the 1999 Dungeness crab license year has already begun, and this requirement would create significant difficulties for fishers who have already purchased licenses.  It would also be practically impossible for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to notify crab fishers, and create and distribute catch record cards by mid-July.

     The Department of Fish and Wildlife strongly agrees that catch record cards would be very valuable in tracking crab harvest and population statistics.  And, it has committed to implementing the program by administrative rule, effective with the next license year beginning in April 2000.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 2 and 3 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5508.

     With the exception of sections 2 and 3, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5508 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor