SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5736

As of February 13, 2001

Title:  An act relating to increasing salmon to self‑sustaining levels.

Brief Description:  Providing assistance to help rebuild salmon populations.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Oke and Stevens.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/19/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Background:  Hatchery salmon stocks may be genetically different than naturally spawning stocks in some watersheds.  There is ongoing debate involving the degree to which hatchery salmon are genetically different than naturally spawning salmon, and whether or not hatchery-origin salmon should be allowed to spawn in the wild, or if hatchery salmon should be utilized for salmon restoration purposes.

Adult hatchery salmon often return to their hatchery of origin in numbers exceeding the amount necessary to continue the hatchery program; thus, the surplus eggs are often available for salmon restoration purposes.

Summary of Bill:  The department must make available surplus hatchery salmon eggs for replenishing fish runs.  Surplus hatchery salmon carcasses must be made available for nutrient enhancement of streams.  Hatchery origin salmon must be considered to be of little genetic difference from native fish stocks.  All returning salmon must be allowed to spawn regardless of origin.

The department must conduct annual workshops to provide technical assistance to volunteer groups on salmon recovery techniques.

Hatchery origin viable salmon eggs must not be destroyed if volunteer groups have expressed an interest in utilizing them for salmon recovery projects.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 13, 2001.

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