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 and trawl fisheries. Key provisions include that a nonspot shrimp pot fishery license can only be issued to individuals who held a similar license in the previous year, with exceptions for inheritance upon the licensee's death. The bill also specifies that license holders may designate alternate operators, with certain restrictions and allowances for medical emergencies.

Additionally, the bill sets limits on the number of licenses an individual can hold, stipulating that no more than one shrimp trawl or nonspot shrimp pot license may be owned by a licensee. It also establishes a combined cap of five licenses for both shrimp trawl and nonspot shrimp pot fisheries. The bill includes provisions for converting shrimp trawl licenses to nonspot shrimp pot licenses and allows for cooperative gear modifications to enhance the efficiency of harvesting nonspot shrimp species. The annual fees for the new nonspot shrimp pot fishery license are also specified, aligning with other commercial fishery licenses.

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
Bill as Passed Legislature: 77.70.005, 77.70.410, 77.70.420, 77.65.220
Session Law: 77.70.005, 77.70.410, 77.70.420, 77.65.220