HB 1697 - DIGEST

     Directs the department of fish and wildlife to establish a one-year pilot program to allow food fish caught for personal use in Canadian waters during closed fishing periods in Washington waters to be landed in Point Roberts.  The department shall establish the number of fish that may be landed under this pilot program and reasonable enforcement mechanisms to enforce the landing requirements.

     Requires the department to compare the landing levels under the pilot program with landing levels prior to establishment of the pilot program.  The department shall report its findings, including any difficulties in enforcing the program, to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 2001.

     Expires January 1, 2002.

     Appropriates the sum of forty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, from the general fund to the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of this act.