The bill establishes a new nonspot shrimp pot fishery license in Washington State, amending several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to shrimp fisheries. It introduces the definition of "nonspot shrimp" and outlines the licensing requirements for both the nonspot shrimp pot fishery and the existing shrimp pot-Puget Sound fishery. Key provisions include that a nonspot shrimp pot-Puget Sound fishery license can only be issued to individuals who held a similar license in the previous year, and it allows for the designation of alternate operators under specific conditions, including medical emergencies. The bill also stipulates that the combined number of shrimp trawl and nonspot shrimp pot licenses held by an individual is limited to one, with a total cap of five licenses across both categories.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations regarding the transferability of licenses and the designation of alternate operators, emphasizing that licenses can be converted from shrimp trawl to nonspot shrimp pot licenses. It also includes provisions for cooperative gear modification to enhance the efficiency of harvesting nonspot shrimp species. The annual fees for the new nonspot shrimp pot-Puget Sound fishery license are set at $335 for residents and $720 for non-residents, aligning with other commercial fishery licenses. Overall, the bill aims to regulate and promote sustainable fishing practices for nonspot shrimp in Puget Sound while providing a structured licensing framework.

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