CCLME.ORG - License limitation programs.

State
Washington
Chapter 77.70 RCW License limitation programs

Chapter 77.70 RCW
License limitation programs

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77.70.010
License renewed subject to RCW 77.65.080.
(1) A license renewed under the provisions of this chapter that has been suspended under RCW 77.65.080 shall be subject to the following provisions:

(a) A license renewal fee shall be paid as a condition of maintaining a current license; and

(b) The department shall waive any other license requirements, unless the department determines that the license holder has had sufficient opportunity to meet these requirements.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall apply only to a license that has been suspended under RCW 77.65.080 for a period of twelve months or less. A license holder shall forfeit a license subject to this chapter and may not recover any license renewal fees previously paid if the license holder does not meet the requirements of RCW 74.20A.320(9) within twelve months of license suspension.

[2001 c 253 § 57; 1997 c 58 § 884. Formerly RCW 75.30.015.]

Notes: Short title -- Part headings, captions, table of contents not law -- Exemptions and waivers from federal law -- Conflict with federal requirements -- Severability -- 1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.

Effective dates -- Intent -- 1997 c 58: See notes following RCW 74.20A.320.

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77.70.020
No harvest opportunity during year — License requirements waived — Effect on license limitation programs.
(1) The director shall waive license requirements, including landing or poundage requirements, if, during the calendar year that a license issued pursuant to chapter 77.65 RCW is valid, no harvest opportunity occurs in the fishery corresponding to the license.

(2) For each license limitation program, where the person failed to hold the license and failed to make landing or poundage requirements because of a license waiver by the director during the previous year, the person shall qualify for a license by establishing that the person held the license during the last year in which the license was not waived.

[2000 c 107 § 56; 1995 c 227 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.021.]

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77.70.040
Administrative review of department's decision — Hearing — Procedures.
A person aggrieved by a decision of the department under this chapter may request administrative review under the informal procedure established by this section.

In an informal hearing before a review board, the rules of evidence do not apply. A record of the proceeding shall be kept as provided by chapter 34.05 RCW. After hearing the case the review board shall notify in writing the director and the initiating party whether the review board agrees or disagrees with the department's decision and the reasons for the review board's findings. Upon receipt of the review board's findings the director may order such relief as the director deems appropriate under the circumstances.

Nothing in this section: (1) Impairs an aggrieved person's right to proceed under chapter 34.05 RCW; or (2) imposes a liability on members of a review board for their actions under this section.

[2000 c 107 § 58; 1995 1st sp.s. c 2 § 32 (Referendum Bill No. 45, approved November 7, 1995); 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 139; 1977 ex.s. c 106 § 6. Formerly RCW 75.30.060.]

Notes: Referral to electorate -- 1995 1st sp.s. c 2: See note following RCW 77.04.013.

Effective date -- 1995 1st sp.s. c 2: See note following RCW 43.17.020.

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

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77.70.050
Salmon charter boats — Limitation on issuance of licenses — Renewal — Transfer.
(1) After May 28, 1977, the director shall issue no new salmon charter licenses. A person may renew an existing salmon charter 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) Salmon charter licenses may be renewed each year. A salmon charter license which is not renewed each year shall not be renewed further.

(3) Subject to the restrictions in RCW 77.65.020, salmon charter licenses are transferrable from one license holder to another.

[2000 c 107 § 59; 1993 c 340 § 28; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 141; 1981 c 202 § 1; 1979 c 101 § 7; 1977 ex.s. c 106 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.065, 75.30.020.]

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

Effective date -- Intent -- 1979 c 101: See notes following RCW 77.70.060.

Legislative findings -- 1977 ex.s. c 106: "The legislature finds that the wise management and economic health of the state's salmon fishery are of continued importance to the people of the state and to the economy of the state as a whole. The legislature finds that charter boats licensed by the state for use by the state's charter boat fishing industry have increased in quantity. The legislature finds that limitations on the number of licensed charter boats will tend to improve the management of the charter boat fishery and the economic health of the charter boat industry. The state therefore must use its authority to regulate the number of licensed boats in use by the state's charter boat industry in a manner provided in this chapter so that management and economic health of the salmon fishery may be improved." [1977 ex.s. c 106 § 1. Formerly RCW 75.30.010.]

Severability -- 1977 ex.s. c 106: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory 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." [1977 ex.s. c 106 § 10.]

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77.70.060
Salmon charter boats — Angler permit, when required.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a person shall not operate a vessel as a charter boat from which salmon are taken in salt water without an angler permit. The angler permit shall specify the maximum number of persons that may fish from the charter boat per trip. The angler permit expires if the salmon charter license is not renewed.

(2) Only a person who holds a salmon charter license issued under RCW 77.65.150 and 77.70.050 may hold an angler permit.

(3) An angler permit shall not be required for charter boats licensed in Oregon and fishing in ocean waters within the jurisdiction of Washington state from the southern border of the state of Washington to Leadbetter Point under the same regulations as Washington charter boat operators, as long as the Oregon vessel does not land at any Washington port with the purpose of taking on or discharging passengers. The provisions of this subsection shall be in effect as long as the state of Oregon has reciprocal laws and regulations.

[2000 c 107 § 60; 1998 c 190 § 100; 1993 c 340 § 29; 1989 c 147 § 2; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 142; 1979 c 101 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.070.]

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

Effective date -- 1979 c 101: "This act shall take effect on January 1, 1980." [1979 c 101 § 10.]

Intent -- 1979 c 101: "The legislature finds that wise management of the state's salmon fishery is essential to the well-being of the state. The legislature recognizes that further restrictions on salmon fishing in the charter salmon industry are necessary and that a limitation on the number of persons fishing is preferable to reductions in the fishing season or daily bag limits, or increases in size limits." [1979 c 101 § 1.]

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77.70.070
Salmon charter boats — Angler permit — Number of anglers.
A salmon charter boat may not carry more anglers than the number specified in the angler permit issued under RCW 77.70.060. Members of the crew may fish from the boat only to the extent that the number of anglers specified in the angler permit exceeds the number of noncrew passengers on the boat at that time.

[2000 c 107 § 61; 1993 c 340 § 30; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 143; 1979 c 101 § 4. Formerly RCW 75.30.090.]

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

Effective date -- Intent -- 1979 c 101: See notes following RCW 77.70.060.

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77.70.080
Salmon charter boats — Angler permit — Total number of anglers limited — Permit transfer.
(1) The total number of anglers authorized by the director shall not exceed the total number authorized for 1980.

(2) Angler permits issued under RCW 77.70.060 are transferable. All or a portion of the permit may be transferred to another salmon charter license holder.

(3) The angler permit holder and proposed transferee shall notify the department when transferring an angler permit, and the director shall issue a new angler permit certificate. If the original permit holder retains a portion of the permit, the director shall issue a new angler permit certificate reflecting the decrease in angler capacity.

(4) The department shall collect a fee of ten dollars for each certificate issued under subsection (3) of this section.

[2000 c 107 § 62; 1993 c 340 § 31; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 144; 1979 c 101 § 5. Formerly RCW 75.30.100.]

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

Effective date -- Intent -- 1979 c 101: See notes following RCW 77.70.060.

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77.70.090
Commercial salmon fishing licenses and delivery licenses — Limitations — Transfer.
(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.

[2000 c 107 § 63; 1995 c 135 § 7. Prior: 1993 c 340 § 32; 1993 c 100 § 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 146; 1979 c 135 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 230 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 106 § 7; 1974 ex.s. c 184 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.120, 75.28.455.]

Notes: 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 § 136; 1974 ex.s. c 184 § 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 § 11.]

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77.70.100
Commercial salmon fishery license or salmon delivery license — Reversion to department following government confiscation of vessel.
Any commercial salmon fishery license issued under RCW 77.65.160 or salmon delivery license issued under RCW 77.65.170 shall revert to the department when any government confiscates and sells the vessel designated on the license. Upon application of the person named on the license as license holder and the approval of the director, the department shall transfer the license to the applicant. Application for transfer of the license must be made within the calendar year for which the license was issued.

[2000 c 107 § 64; 1993 c 340 § 33; 1986 c 198 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.125.]

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

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77.70.110
Dungeness crab-Puget Sound fishery license — Limitations — Qualifications.
(1) A person shall not commercially take Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) in Puget Sound without first obtaining a Dungeness crab -- Puget Sound fishery license. As used in this section, "Puget Sound" has the meaning given in RCW 77.65.160(5)(a). A Dungeness crab -- Puget Sound fishery license is not required to take other species of crab, including red rock crab (Cancer productus).

(2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (6) of this section, after January 1, 1982, the director shall issue no new Dungeness crab -- Puget Sound fishery licenses. Only a person who meets the following qualification may renew an existing license: The person shall have held the Dungeness crab -- Puget Sound fishery 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 shall not have subsequently transferred the license to another person.

(3) 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.

(4) This section does not restrict the issuance of commercial crab licenses for areas other than Puget Sound or for species other than Dungeness crab.

(5) Dungeness crab -- Puget Sound fishery licenses are transferable from one license holder to another.

(6) If fewer than one hundred twenty-five persons are eligible for Dungeness crab -- Puget Sound fishery licenses, the director may accept applications for new licenses. The director shall determine by random selection the successful applicants for the additional licenses. The number of additional licenses issued shall be sufficient to maintain one hundred twenty-five licenses in the Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery. The director shall adopt rules governing the application, selection, and issuance procedures for new Dungeness crab -- Puget Sound fishery licenses.

[2000 c 107 § 65; 1999 c 151 § 1602; 1998 c 190 § 101. Prior: 1997 c 233 § 1; 1997 c 115 § 1; 1993 c 340 § 34; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 147; 1982 c 157 § 1; 1980 c 133 § 4. Formerly RCW 75.30.130, 75.28.275.]

Notes: Part headings not law -- Effective date -- 1999 c 151: See notes following RCW 18.28.010.

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

Severability -- 1980 c 133: "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." [1980 c 133 § 8.]

Legislative findings -- 1980 c 133: "The legislature finds that a significant commercial crab fishery is developing within Puget Sound. The legislature further finds that the crab fishery in Puget Sound represents a separate and distinct fishery from that of the coastal waters and is limited in quantity and is in need of conservation. The potential for depletion of the crab stocks in these waters is increasing, particularly as crab fishing becomes an attractive alternative to fishermen facing increasing restrictions on commercial salmon fishing.

The legislature finds that the number of commercial fishermen engaged in crab fishing has steadily increased. This factor, combined with advances in fishing and marketing techniques, has resulted in strong pressures on the supply of crab, unnecessary waste of an important natural resource, and economic loss to the citizens of the state.

The legislature finds that increased regulation of commercial crab fishing is necessary to preserve and efficiently manage the commercial crab fishery in the waters of Puget Sound." [1980 c 133 § 1.]

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77.70.120
Herring fishery license — Limitations on issuance.
(1) A person shall not fish commercially for herring in state waters without a herring fishery license. As used in this section, "herring fishery license" means any of the following commercial fishery licenses issued under RCW 77.65.200: Herring dip bag net; herring drag seine; herring gill net; herring lampara; herring purse seine.

(2) Except as provided in this section, a herring fishery license may be issued only to a person who 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.

(3) Herring fishery licenses may be renewed each year. A herring fishery license that is not renewed each year shall not be renewed further.

(4) The director may issue additional herring fishery licenses if the stocks of herring will not be jeopardized by granting additional licenses.

(5) Subject to the restrictions of RCW 77.65.020, herring fishery licenses are transferable from one license holder to another.

[2000 c 107 § 66; 1998 c 190 § 102; 1993 c 340 § 35; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 148; 1974 ex.s. c 104 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 173 § 4. Formerly RCW 75.30.140, 75.28.420.]

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

Legislative findings -- Purpose -- 1973 1st ex.s. c 173: "The legislature finds that a significant commercial herring fishing industry is presently developing in the state of Washington under the careful guidance of the department of fisheries. The legislature further finds that the stocks of herring within the waters of this state are limited in extent and are in need of strict preservation.

In addition, the legislature finds that the number of commercial fishermen engaged in fishing for herring has steadily increased. This factor, combined with advances made in fishing and marketing techniques, has resulted in strong pressures on the supply of herring, unnecessary waste in one of Washington's valuable resources, and economic loss to the citizens of this state. Therefore, it is the purpose of RCW 75.30.140 to establish reasonable procedures for controlling the extent of commercial herring fishing." [1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 135; 1973 1st ex.s. c 173 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.28.390 and 75.28.400.]

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77.70.130
Whiting-Puget Sound fishery license — Limitation on issuance.
(1) A person shall not commercially take whiting from areas that the department designates within the waters described in RCW 77.65.160(5)(a) without a whiting-Puget Sound fishery license.

(2) A whiting-Puget Sound fishery license may be issued only to an individual who:

(a) Delivered at least fifty thousand pounds of whiting during the period from January 1, 1981, through February 22, 1985, as verified by fish delivery tickets;

(b) Possessed, on January 1, 1986, all equipment necessary to fish for whiting; and

(c) Held a whiting-Puget Sound fishery license during the previous year or acquired such a license by transfer from someone who held it during the previous year.

(3) After January 1, 1995, the director shall issue no new whiting-Puget Sound fishery licenses. After January 1, 1995, only an individual who meets the following qualifications may renew an existing license: The individual shall have 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 shall not have subsequently transferred the license to another person.

(4) Whiting-Puget Sound fishery licenses may be renewed each year. A whiting-Puget Sound fishery license that is not renewed each year shall not be renewed further.

[2000 c 107 § 67; 1993 c 340 § 39; 1986 c 198 § 5. Formerly RCW 75.30.170.]

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

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77.70.140
Whiting-Puget Sound fishery license — Transferable to family members.
A whiting-Puget Sound fishery license may be transferred through gift, devise, bequest, or descent to members of the license holder's immediate family which shall be limited to spouse, children, or stepchildren. The holder of a whiting-Puget Sound fishery license shall be present on any vessel taking whiting under the license. In no instance may temporary permits be issued.

The director may adopt rules necessary to implement RCW 77.70.130 and 77.70.140.

[2000 c 107 § 68; 1993 c 340 § 40; 1986 c 198 § 4. Formerly RCW 75.30.180.]

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

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77.70.150
Sea urchin dive fishery license — Limitation on issuance — Surcharge — Sea urchin dive fishery account — Transfer of license — Issuance of new licenses.
(1) A sea urchin dive fishery license is required to take sea urchins for commercial purposes. A sea urchin dive fishery license authorizes the use of only one diver in the water at any time during sea urchin harvest operations. If the same vessel has been designated on two sea urchin dive fishery licenses, two divers may be in the water. A natural person may not hold more than two sea urchin dive fishery licenses.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the director shall issue no new sea urchin dive fishery licenses. For licenses issued for the year 2000 and thereafter, the director shall renew existing licenses only to a natural person who held the license at the end of the previous year. If a sea urchin dive fishery license is not held by a natural person as of December 31, 1999, it is not renewable. However, if the license is not held because of revocation or suspension of licensing privileges, the director shall renew the license in the name of a natural person at the end of the revocation or suspension if the license holder applies for renewal of the license before the end of the year in which the revocation or suspension ends.

(3) Where a licensee failed to obtain the license during the previous year because of a license suspension or revocation by the director or the court, the licensee may qualify for a license by establishing that the person held such a license during the last year in which the person was eligible.

(4) Surcharges as provided for in this section shall be collected and deposited into the sea urchin dive fishery account hereby created in the custody of the state treasurer. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The sea urchin dive fishery account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for expenditures. Expenditures from the account shall only be used to retire sea urchin licenses until the number of licenses is reduced to twenty-five, and thereafter shall only be used for sea urchin management and enforcement.

(a) A surcharge of one hundred dollars shall be charged with each sea urchin dive fishery license renewal for licenses issued in 2000 through 2010.

(b) For licenses issued for the year 2000 and thereafter, a surcharge shall be charged on the sea urchin dive fishery license for designating an alternate operator. The surcharge shall be as follows: Five hundred dollars for the first year or each of the first two consecutive years after 1999 that any alternate operator is designated and two thousand five hundred dollars each year thereafter that any alternate operator is designated.

(5) Sea urchin dive fishery licenses are transferable. After December 31, 1999, there is a surcharge to transfer a sea urchin dive fishery license. The surcharge is five hundred dollars for the first transfer of a license valid for calendar year 2000, and two thousand five hundred dollars for any subsequent transfer, whether occurring in the year 2000 or thereafter. Notwithstanding this subsection, a one-time transfer exempt from surcharge applies for a transfer from the natural person licensed on January 1, 2000, to that person's spouse or child.

(6) If fewer than twenty-five natural persons are eligible for sea urchin dive fishery licenses, the director may accept applications for new licenses. The additional licenses may not cause more than twenty-five natural persons to be eligible for a sea urchin dive fishery license. New licenses issued under this section shall be distributed according to rules of the department that recover the value of such licensed privilege.

[2005 c 110 § 1; 2001 c 253 § 58; 1999 c 126 § 1; 1998 c 190 § 104; 1993 c 340 § 41; 1990 c 62 § 2; 1989 c 37 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.210.]

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

Legislative finding -- 1990 c 62; 1989 c 37: "The legislature finds that a significant commercial sea urchin fishery is developing within state waters. The potential for depletion of the sea urchin stocks in these waters is increasing, particularly as the sea urchin fishery becomes an attractive alternative to fishermen facing increasing restrictions on other types of commercial fishery activities.

The legislature finds that the number of vessels engaged in commercial sea urchin fishing has steadily increased. This factor, combined with advances in marketing techniques, has resulted in strong pressures on the supply of sea urchins. The legislature desires to maintain the livelihood of those vessel owners who have historically and continuously participated in the sea urchin fishery. The legislature desires that the director have the authority to consider extenuating circumstances concerning failure to meet landing requirements for both initial endorsement issuance and endorsement renewal.

The legislature finds that increased regulation of commercial sea urchin fishing is necessary to preserve and efficiently manage the commercial sea urchin fishery in the waters of the state. The legislature is aware that the continuing license provisions of the administrative procedure act, RCW 34.05.422(3) provide procedural safeguards, but finds that the pressure on the sea urchin resource endangers both the resource and the economic well-being of the sea urchin fishery, and desires, therefore, to exempt sea urchin endorsements from the continuing license provision." [1990 c 62 § 1; 1989 c 37 § 1.]

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77.70.160
Emerging commercial fishery designation — Experimental fishery permits.
(1) The director may issue experimental fishery permits for commercial harvest in an emerging commercial fishery for which the director has determined there is a need to limit the number of participants. The director shall determine by rule the number and qualifications of participants for such experimental fishery permits. Only a person who holds an emerging commercial fishery license issued under RCW 77.65.400 and who meets the qualifications established in those rules may hold an experimental fishery permit. The director shall limit the number of these permits to prevent habitat damage, ensure conservation of the resource, and prevent overharvesting. In developing rules for limiting participation in an emerging or expanding commercial fishery, the director shall appoint a five-person advisory board representative of the affected fishery industry. The advisory board shall review and make recommendations to the director on rules relating to the number and qualifications of the participants for such experimental fishery permits.

(2) RCW 34.05.422(3) does not apply to applications for new experimental fishery permits.

(3) Experimental fishery permits are not transferable from the permit holder to any other person.

[2000 c 107 § 69; 1993 c 340 § 42; 1990 c 63 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.220.]

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

Legislative finding -- 1990 c 63: "The legislature finds that:

(1) A number of commercial fisheries have emerged or expanded in the past decade;

(2) Scientific information is critical to the proper management of an emerging or expanding commercial fishery; and

(3) The scientific information necessary to manage an emerging or expanding commercial fishery can best be obtained through the use of limited experimental fishery permits allowing harvest levels that will preserve and protect the state's food fish and shellfish resource." [1990 c 63 § 1.]

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77.70.170
Emerging commercial fishery designation — Legislative review.
Whenever the director promulgates a rule designating an emerging commercial fishery, the legislative standing committees of the house of representatives and senate dealing with fisheries issues shall be notified of the rule and its justification thirty days prior to the effective date of the rule.

[1990 c 63 § 3. Formerly RCW 75.30.230.]

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77.70.180
Emerging commercial fishery — License status — Recommendations to legislature — Information included in report.
(1) Within five years after adopting rules to govern the number and qualifications of participants in an emerging commercial fishery, the director shall provide to the appropriate senate and house of representatives committees a report which outlines the status of the fishery and a recommendation as to whether a separate commercial fishery license, license fee, or limited harvest program should be established for that fishery.

(2) For any emerging commercial fishery designated under RCW 77.50.030, the report must also include:

(a) Information on the extent of the program, including to what degree mass marking and supplementation programs have been utilized in areas where emerging commercial fisheries using selective fishing gear have been authorized;

(b) Information on the benefit provided to commercial fishers including information on the effectiveness of emerging commercial fisheries using selective fishing gear in providing expanded fishing opportunity within mixed stocks of salmon;

(c) Information on the effectiveness of selective fishing gear in minimizing postrelease mortality for nontarget stocks, harvesting fish so that they are not damaged by the gear, and aiding the creation of niche markets; and

(d) Information on the department's efforts at operating hatcheries in an experimental fashion by managing wild and hatchery origin fish as a single run as an alternative to mass marking and the utilization of selective fishing gear. The department shall consult with commercial fishers, recreational fishers, federally recognized treaty tribes with a fishing right, regional fisheries enhancement groups, and other affected parties to obtain their input in preparing the report under this subsection (2).

[2001 c 163 § 3; 1993 c 340 § 43; 1990 c 63 § 4. Formerly RCW 75.30.240.]

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

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77.70.190
Sea cucumber dive fishery license — Limitation on issuance — Surcharge — Sea cucumber dive fishery account — Transfer of license — Issuance of new licenses.
(1) A sea cucumber dive fishery license is required to take sea cucumbers for commercial purposes. A sea cucumber dive fishery license authorizes the use of only one diver in the water at any time during sea cucumber harvest operations. If the same vessel has been designated on two sea cucumber dive fishery licenses, two divers may be in the water. A natural person may not hold more than two sea cucumber dive fishery licenses.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the director shall issue no new sea cucumber dive fishery licenses. For licenses issued for the year 2000 and thereafter, the director shall renew existing licenses only to a natural person who held the license at the end of the previous year. If a sea cucumber dive fishery license is not held by a natural person as of December 31, 1999, it is not renewable. However, if the license is not held because of revocation or suspension of licensing privileges, the director shall renew the license in the name of a natural person at the end of the revocation or suspension if the license holder applies for renewal of the license before the end of the year in which the revocation or suspension ends.

(3) Where a licensee failed to obtain the license during either of the previous two years because of a license suspension by the director or the court, the licensee may qualify for a license by establishing that the person held such a license during the last year in which the person was eligible.

(4) Surcharges as provided for in this section shall be collected and deposited into the sea cucumber dive fishery account hereby created in the custody of the state treasurer. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The sea cucumber dive fishery account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for expenditures. Expenditures from the account shall only be used to retire sea cucumber licenses until the number of licenses is reduced to twenty-five, and thereafter shall only be used for sea cucumber management and enforcement.

(a) A surcharge of one hundred dollars shall be charged with each sea cucumber dive fishery license renewal for licenses issued in 2000 through 2010.

(b) For licenses issued for the year 2000 and thereafter, a surcharge shall be charged on the sea cucumber dive fishery license for designating an alternate operator. The surcharge shall be as follows: Five hundred dollars for the first year or each of the first two consecutive years after 1999 that any alternate operator is designated and two thousand five hundred dollars each year thereafter that any alternate operator is designated.

(5) Sea cucumber dive fishery licenses are transferable. After December 31, 1999, there is a surcharge to transfer a sea cucumber dive fishery license. The surcharge is five hundred dollars for the first transfer of a license valid for calendar year 2000 and two thousand five hundred dollars for any subsequent transfer whether occurring in the year 2000 or thereafter. Notwithstanding this subsection, a one-time transfer exempt from surcharge applies for a transfer from the natural person licensed on January 1, 2000, to that person's spouse or child.

(6) If fewer than twenty-five persons are eligible for sea cucumber dive fishery licenses, the director may accept applications for new licenses. The additional licenses may not cause more than twenty-five natural persons to be eligible for a sea cucumber dive fishery license. New licenses issued under this section shall be distributed according to rules of the department that recover the value of such licensed privilege.

[2005 c 110 § 2; 2001 c 253 § 59; 1999 c 126 § 2; 1998 c 190 § 105; 1993 c 340 § 44; 1990 c 61 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.250.]

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

Legislative findings -- 1990 c 61: "The legislature finds that a significant commercial sea cucumber fishery is developing within state waters. The potential for depletion of the sea cucumber stocks in these waters is increasing, particularly as the sea cucumber fishery becomes an attractive alternative to commercial fishers who face increasing restrictions on other types of commercial fishery activities.

The legislature finds that the number of commercial fishers engaged in commercially harvesting sea cucumbers has rapidly increased. This factor, combined with increases in market demand, has resulted in strong pressures on the supply of sea cucumbers.

The legislature finds that increased regulation of commercial sea cucumber fishing is necessary to preserve and efficiently manage the commercial sea cucumber fishery in the waters of the state.

The legislature finds that it is desirable in the long term to reduce the number of vessels participating in the commercial sea cucumber fishery to fifty vessels to preserve the sea cucumber resource, efficiently manage the commercial sea cucumber fishery in the waters of the state, and reduce conflict with upland owners.

The legislature finds that it is important to preserve the livelihood of those who have historically participated in the commercial sea cucumber fishery that began about 1970 and that the 1988 and 1989 seasons should be used to document historical participation." [1990 c 61 § 1.]

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77.70.200
Herring spawn on kelp fishery licenses — Number limited.
The legislature finds that the wise management of Washington state's herring resource is of paramount importance to the people of the state. The legislature finds that herring are an important part of the food chain for a number of the state's living marine resources. The legislature finds that both open and closed pond "spawn on kelp" harvesting techniques allow for an economic return to the state while at the same time providing for the proper management of the herring resource. The legislature finds that limitations on the number of herring harvesters tends to improve the management and economic health of the herring industry. The maximum number of herring spawn on kelp fishery licenses shall not exceed five annually. The state therefore must use its authority to regulate the number of herring spawn on kelp fishery licenses so that the management and economic health of the herring fishery may be improved.

[1993 c 340 § 36; 1989 c 176 § 1. Formerly RCW 75.30.260, 75.28.235.]

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

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77.70.210
Herring spawn on kelp fishery license — Auction.
(1) A herring spawn on kelp fishery license is required to commercially take herring eggs which have been deposited on vegetation of any type.

(2) A herring spawn on kelp fishery license may be issued only to a person who:

(a) Holds a herring fishery license issued under RCW 77.65.200 and 77.70.120; and

(b) Is the highest bidder in an auction conducted under subsection (3) of this section.

(3) The department shall sell herring spawn on kelp commercial fishery licenses at auction to the highest bidder. Bidders shall identify their sources of kelp. Kelp harvested from state-owned aquatic lands as defined in *RCW 79.90.465 requires the written consent of the department of natural resources. The department shall give all holders of herring fishery licenses thirty days' notice of the auction.

[2000 c 107 § 70; 1993 c 340 § 37; 1989 c 176 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.30.270, 75.28.245.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 79.90.465 was repealed by 2005 c 155 § 1013.

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

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77.70.220
Geoduck fishery license — Conditions and limitations — OSHA regulations — Violations.
(1) A person shall not harvest geoduck clams commercially without a geoduck fishery license. This section does not apply to the harvest of private sector cultured aquatic products as defined in RCW 15.85.020.

(2) Only a person who has entered into a geoduck harvesting agreement with the department of natural resources under *RCW 79.96.080 may hold a geoduck fishery license.

(3) A geoduck fishery license authorizes no taking of geoducks outside the boundaries of the public lands designated in the underlying harvesting agreement, or beyond the harvest ceiling set in the underlying harvesting agreement.

(4) A geoduck fishery license expires when the underlying geoduck harvesting agreement terminates.

(5) The director shall determine the number of geoduck fishery licenses that may be issued for each geoduck harvesting agreement, the number of units of gear whose use the license authorizes, and the type of gear that may be used, subject to RCW 77.60.070. In making those determinations, the director shall seek to conserve the geoduck resource and prevent damage to its habitat.

(6) The holder of a geoduck fishery license and the holder's agents and representatives shall comply with all applicable commercial diving safety regulations adopted by the federal occupational safety and health administration established under the federal occupational safety and health act of 1970 as such law exists on May 8, 1979, 84 Stat. 1590 et seq.; 29 U.S.C. Sec. 651 et seq. A violation of those regulations is a violation of this subsection. For the purposes of this section, persons who dive for geoducks are "employees" as defined by the federal occupational safety and health act. A violation of this subsection is grounds for suspension or revocation of a geoduck fishery license following a hearing under the procedures of chapter 34.05 RCW. The director shall not suspend or revoke a geoduck fishery license if the violation has been corrected within ten days of the date the license holder receives written notice of the violation. If there is a substantial probability that a violation of the commercial diving standards could result in death or serious physical harm to a person engaged in harvesting geoduck clams, the director shall suspend the license immediately until the violation has been corrected. If the license holder is not the operator of the harvest vessel and has contracted with another person for the harvesting of geoducks, the director shall not suspend or revoke the license if the license holder terminates its business relationship with that person until compliance with this subsection is secured.

[2000 c 107 § 71; 1998 c 190 § 106; 1993 c 340 § 46. Formerly RCW 75.30.280.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 79.96.080 was recodified as RCW 79.135.210 pursuant to 2005 c 155 § 1010.

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

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77.70.230
Ocean pink shrimp — Delivery license — Requirements and criteria — Continuous participation.
A person shall not commercially deliver into any Washington state port ocean pink shrimp caught in offshore waters without an ocean pink shrimp delivery license issued under RCW 77.65.390, or an ocean pink shrimp single delivery license issued under RCW 77.70.260. An ocean pink shrimp delivery license shall be issued to a vessel that:

(1) Landed a total of at least five thousand pounds of ocean pink shrimp in Washington in any single calendar year between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1992, as documented by a valid shellfish receiving ticket; and

(2) Can show continuous participation in the Washington, Oregon, or California ocean pink shrimp fishery by being eligible to land ocean pink shrimp in either Washington, Oregon, or California each year since the landing made under subsection (1) of this section. Evidence of such eligibility shall be a certified statement from the relevant state licensing agency that the applicant for a Washington ocean pink shrimp delivery license held at least one of the following permits:

(a) For Washington: Possession of a delivery permit or delivery license issued under RCW 77.65.210;

(b) For Oregon: Possession of a vessel permit issued under Oregon Revised Statute 508.880; or

(c) For California: A trawl permit issued under California Fish and Game Code sec. 8842.

[2000 c 107 § 72; 1998 c 190 § 107; 1993 c 376 § 5. Formerly RCW 75.30.290.]

Notes: Findings -- Effective date -- 1993 c 376: See notes following RCW 77.65.380.

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77.70.240
Ocean pink shrimp — Delivery license — Requirements and criteria — Historical participation.
An applicant who can show historical participation under RCW 77.70.230(1) but does not satisfy the continuous participation requirement of RCW 77.70.230(2) shall be issued an ocean pink shrimp delivery license if:

(1) The owner can prove that the owner was in the process on December 31, 1992, of constructing a vessel for the purpose of ocean pink shrimp harvest. For purposes of this section, "construction" means having the keel laid, and "for the purpose of ocean pink shrimp harvest" means the vessel is designed as a trawl vessel. An ocean pink shrimp delivery license issued to a vessel under construction is not renewable after December 31, 1994, unless the vessel lands a total of at least five thousand pounds of ocean pink shrimp into a Washington state port before December 31, 1994; or

(2) The applicant's vessel is a replacement for a vessel that is otherwise eligible for an ocean pink shrimp delivery license.

[2000 c 107 § 73; 1993 c 376 § 6. Formerly RCW 75.30.300.]

Notes: Findings -- Effective date -- 1993 c 376: See notes following RCW 77.65.380.

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77.70.250
Ocean pink shrimp — Delivery license — License transfer — License suspension.
After December 31, 1994, an ocean pink shrimp delivery license may only be issued to a vessel that held an ocean pink shrimp delivery license in 1994, and each year thereafter. If the license is transferred to another vessel, the license history shall also be transferred to the transferee vessel.

Where the failure to hold the license in any given year was the result of a license suspension, the vessel may qualify if the vessel held an ocean pink shrimp delivery license in the year immediately preceding the year of the license suspension.

[1993 c 376 § 7. Formerly RCW 75.30.310.]

Notes: Findings -- Effective date -- 1993 c 376: See notes following RCW 77.65.380.

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77.70.260
Ocean pink shrimp — Single delivery license.
The owner of an ocean pink shrimp fishing vessel that does not qualify for an ocean pink shrimp delivery license issued under RCW 77.65.390 shall obtain an ocean pink shrimp single delivery license in order to make a landing into a state port of ocean pink shrimp taken in offshore waters. The director shall not issue an ocean pink shrimp single delivery license unless, as determined by the director, a bona fide emergency exists. A maximum of six ocean pink shrimp single delivery licenses may be issued annually to any vessel. The fee for an ocean pink shrimp single delivery license is one hundred dollars. (continued)