The bill establishes a new nonspot shrimp pot fishery license in Washington State, amending several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to incorporate this new licensing framework. It defines "nonspot shrimp" and outlines the conditions under which individuals may fish for nonspot shrimp in Puget Sound, including the requirement for a specific license. The bill also stipulates that only immediate family members or spouses' immediate family members can be designated as alternate operators for the license, with provisions for exceptions in cases of medical emergencies. Additionally, it limits the number of licenses a person can hold and allows for the conversion of existing shrimp trawl licenses to nonspot shrimp pot licenses.

The bill further details the licensing process, including the qualifications for obtaining a nonspot shrimp pot-Puget Sound fishery license, which can only be issued to individuals who held a relevant license in the previous year. It also sets a cap on the total number of licenses that can be issued to any individual and establishes a framework for cooperative gear modification to enhance the efficiency of harvesting nonspot shrimp. The annual fees for the new nonspot shrimp pot license are also specified, aligning with other shellfish fishery licenses. Overall, the legislation aims to regulate and promote sustainable fishing practices for nonspot shrimp in Puget Sound.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.70.005, 77.70.410, 77.70.420, 77.65.220
Substitute Bill: 77.70.005, 77.70.410, 77.70.420, 77.65.220