HB 2431-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that it is necessary to accurately and efficiently quantify the total catch by recreational fishers for Dungeness crab using data from catch record cards. Therefore, an endorsement fee on the catch record card paid at the time of purchasing a recreational fishing license will be required for Dungeness crab to specifically identify the recreational crab harvesting population.

Declares that the endorsement fee will significantly improve the precision of the catch estimates by eliminating the current practice of sampling fishers who do not participate in the recreational crab fishery.

Provides that a license to take and possess Dungeness crab is only valid in Puget Sound waters east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line if the fisher has in possession a valid catch record card officially endorsed for Dungeness crab. The endorsement shall cost no more than three dollars including any or all fees authorized under RCW 77.32.050.

Requires the funds received from the Dungeness crab endorsement to be used only for the sampling, monitoring, and management of catch associated with the Dungeness crab recreational fisheries. Moneys allocated under this provision shall supplement and not supplant other federal, state, and local funds used for Dungeness crab recreational fisheries management.

Requires that, after the completion of one season using the Dungeness crab endorsement fee for Puget Sound recreational Dungeness crab fisheries, the department of fish and wildlife shall evaluate the effectiveness of the endorsement fee as a method for improving the accuracy of catch estimates for the Puget Sound recreational Dungeness crab fishery. The department's report shall include how the method has affected their ability to more accurately estimate the preseason allocation of the Puget Sound recreational Dungeness crab fishery and monitor in-season catch. The department shall report their findings to the appropriate committees of the legislature by May 15, 2006.