(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, after May 6, 1974, the director shall issue no new commercial salmon fishery licenses or salmon delivery licenses. A person may renew an existing license only if the person held the license sought to be renewed during the previous year or acquired the license by transfer from someone who held it during the previous year, and if the person has not subsequently transferred the license to another person.

(2) Where the person failed to obtain the license during the previous year because of a license suspension, the person may qualify for a license by establishing that the person held such a license during the last year in which the license was not suspended.

(3) Subject to the restrictions in RCW 77.65.020, commercial salmon fishery licenses and salmon delivery licenses are transferable from one license holder to another.

Intent—1995 c 135: See note following RCW 29A.08.760.

Finding, intent—Captions not law—Effective date—Severability—1993 c 340: See notes following RCW 77.65.010.

Legislative findings—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 106: See notes following RCW 77.70.050.

Legislative intent—1974 ex.s. c 184: "The legislature finds that the protection, welfare, and economic good of the commercial salmon fishing industry is of paramount importance to the people of this state. Scientific advancement has increased the efficiency of salmon fishing gear. There presently exists an overabundance of commercial salmon fishing gear in our state waters which causes great pressure on the salmon fishery resource. This situation results in great economic waste to the state and prohibits conservation programs from achieving their goals. The public welfare requires that the number of commercial salmon fishing licenses and salmon delivery permits issued by the state be limited to insure that sound conservation programs can be scientifically carried out. It is the intention of the legislature to preserve this valuable natural resource so that our food supplies from such resource can continue to meet the ever increasing demands placed on it by the people of this state." [ 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 s 136; 1974 ex.s. c 184 s 1. Formerly RCW 75.28.450.]

Severability—1974 ex.s. c 184: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1974 ex.s. c 184 s 11.]