Good evening

The following links will take you to a draft WDFW policy on "Reduction of Future Fishing Gear Losses". The draft policy was prepared as a result of SSB 6313 passed last year that directed the state to develop guidelines on how to handle derelict gear, i.e. lost nets, pots, etc that are a threat to the resource, environment, boaters, skin divers and all who use the waters of Washington for recreational and commercial purposes.

The proposal outlines gear types and explains the problems. It will not address the issue of tribal fishers who lose gear unless the tribes buy into the proposal. The non-tribal commercial fishers are concerned about being stuck with the cost of removing gear lost over the many years that nets have been used in state waters. Because of their concern, the WDFW is proposing a "no fault" removal program.

A number of options are discussed, most of which do not appear to meet with much support from the commercial interests as areas that snag nets can also be good fishing areas and they don't want to face any more charges against their business.

I would strongly encourage you to read the cover letter and draft proposal. The deadline for comments to the WDFW is February 21.

http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/boardpix/cover.doc for the cover letter
and;
http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/boardpix/reduction.doc for the draft
policy

In relation to this proposal, SSB 6313, referenced in the draft report, also has a direct connection with Senator Oke's bill SB 5258 introduced this year and in the process for Senate hearings that would require the commission to prohibit trawl net fisheries in all waters East of a line from the East end of Ediz Hook to the Canadian border. This bill would, in my opinion, be good for the resource and would reduce the incidence of lost trawl nets in Puget Sound. Again, unless the tribes buy into the idea, it would only affect non-tribal fishers. A copy of Senator Oke's bill follows for your information. If you decide to comment on Senator Oke's bill, please send your comments to your local Representative(s) and Senator with cc's to Oke and Haugen, the WDFW, the WDFW commission, and other appropriate state agencies such as DNR and DOE that have some authority for state lands and waters.

Dave Croonquist


S-0806.1 _____________________________________________

SENATE BILL 5258
_____________________________________________

State of Washington 58th Legislature 2003 Regular Session

By Senators Haugen and Oke

Read first time 01/20/2003. Referred to Committee on Parks, Fish &
Wildlife.


AN ACT Relating to commercial bottom trawling; and amending RCW
77.50.090.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 77.50.090 and 1998 c 190 s 82 are each amended to read
as follows:
The commission shall not authorize commercial bottom trawling for
food fish and shellfish in (({- all areas of Hood Canal south of a line
projected from Tala Point to Foulweather Bluff and in Puget Sound south
of a line projected from Foulweather Bluff to Double Bluff and
including -})) all marine waters east of (({- Whidbey Island and Camano
Island -})) {+ a line projected from the east point of Ediz Hook north
to the international boundary line +}.

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