HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1027

BYRepresentatives R. King,  Sayan, S. Wilson, Haugen, Basich and Spanel; by request of Department of Fisheries

Clarifying the authority of the director of fisheries.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair; S. Wilson, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bowman, Brooks, Cole, Haugen, Smith, Spanel and Vekich.

House Staff:Pamela Madson (786-7310)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 3, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The director of the Department of Fisheries has authority consistent with federal law over offshore waters (marine waters off the coast beyond the three-mile limit) and concurrent waters of the Columbia River (waters that coincide with the Washington-Oregon boundary).  Several international, national, and interstate bodies adopt regulations affecting fisheries in these waters.  The director of Fisheries may adopt rules consistent with these regulations.

The International Pacific Halibut Commission, established in 1923, provides for joint management of halibut between the United States and Canada.

In 1985, the United States and Canada signed the Salmon Interception Treaty which, in part, terminated and replaced an agreement that provided for the protection and preservation of the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery.

SUMMARY:

The director of Fisheries is authorized to adopt rules consistent with the International Pacific Halibut Commission along with other fishery management bodies covering areas outside the territorial boundaries of the State of Washington.  The U.S.-Canada Salmon Interception Treaty replaces in statute the earlier agreement dealing with the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Loren Stern, Washington Department of Fisheries.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The bill extends the authority of the director of the Department of Fisheries to adopt regulations consistent with the International Pacific Halibut Commission, recognizing the increasing importance of the Halibut Commission.  The U.S.-Canada Salmon Interception Treaty replaces an earlier agreement with Canada.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.