The bill amends RCW 77.70.180 to enhance the regulatory framework for emerging commercial fisheries in Washington State. It mandates that within five years of adopting rules for participant qualifications in an emerging fishery, the director must report to legislative committees on the fishery's status and recommend whether to establish a separate commercial fishery license, license fee, or limited harvest program. The report must include detailed information on the program's extent, benefits to commercial fishers, effectiveness of selective fishing gear, and the department's hatchery management efforts, with input from various stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that require the establishment of a separate commercial fishery license, license fee, or limited harvest program if recommended by the director. It allows for the conversion of existing limited entry commercial salmon fishing licenses to the new fishery designation without increasing the total number of commercial licenses in Puget Sound. Furthermore, current holders of experimental licenses will have the opportunity to convert their licenses to the new commercial fishery license as outlined in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.70.180