SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5567
As of January 12, 2022
Title: An act relating to commercial salmon fishing.
Brief Description: Concerning commercial salmon fishing.
Sponsors: Senators Van De Wege and Salomon.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/13/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the restriction on the use of pound nets, round haul nets, fish traps, fish wheels and certain other gear for catching salmon and steelhead.
  • Authorizes resident and non-resident commercial salmon pound net licenses.
  • Increases the enhanced food fish excise tax for certain species of salmon and anadromous game fish and directs monies to support hatchery production and commercial fisheries management.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
Background:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) serves as manager of the state's fish and wildlife resources.  Among other duties, DFW must protect and manage fish and wildlife, including establishing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.

 

DFW manages the commercial harvest of fish and shellfish.  Commercial fishers must obtain applicable licenses from DFW, and commercial fishing license fees are generally structured by species and fishing gear, with a resident and nonresident fee for each license type.  For example, the salmon gill net license fee is $380 for a resident and $765 for a non-resident.

 

The use of certain fishing gear, including pound nets, fish traps and weirs are prohibited for the capture of salmon or steelhead, except under a trial or experimental fishery permit when an emerging commercial fishery has been designated.

 

The state's enhanced food fish excise tax applies to the first commercial possession by an owner of specified species within the state.  The tax is measured by the value of the fish when landed.  The tax is levied by the state and administered by the Department of Revenue.  Receipts for most species are deposited in the state general fund.  The enhanced food fish excise tax for Puget Sound Chinook, coho, and chum salmon and anadromous game fish is 5.25 percent.  The excise tax rate for ocean waters, Columbia River, Willapa Bay, and Grays Harbor Chinook, coho, and chum salmon and anadromous game fish is 6.25 percent.
Summary of Bill:

The restriction on the use of pound nets, round haul nets, fish traps, fish wheels and certain other gear for catching salmon and steelhead is removed.

 

A resident and non-resident commercial salmon pound net license is established, with a resident license fee of $300 and a nonresident fee of $765.

 

The enhanced food fish excise tax on Chinook, coho and chum salmon and anadromous game fish is increased to 7 percent.  Proceeds from 6 percent of the enhanced food excise tax on salmon are deposited in the state general fund to support hatchery production and 1 percent of the proceeds are deposited in the fish, wildlife, and conservation account to support hatchery production and commercial fisheries management.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2022.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.