Hatfield bill to expand buyback program advances in Senate

OLYMPIA – The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s authority to perform fishery license buyback programs, including for Dungeness crab, would be expanded with a new bill from Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, that is swiftly passing through the hurdles of the Senate.

“I think this issue needs to be kept on the front burner,” said Hatfield during the public hearing for Senate Bill 6419 on Thursday, Jan. 31st in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Oceans, and Recreation.

Hatfield’s bill would mean that buybacks could target those license holders whose fishing access to shellfish was “substantially restricted” due to the 1994 Rafeedie decision, which limited non-tribal access to harvesting shellfish. SB 6419 would complement other buyback programs already in place for other commercial fisheries in Washington.

“The Dungeness crab fishery is one of the most valuable in Washington, and we need to ensure the viability of the fishing industry for coastal communities like ours here in the 19th District,” said Hatfield.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s buyback programs help stabilize the harvests of Washington’s fisheries, so annual seasons can yield sustainable amounts of fish and shellfish. The Dungeness crab fishery has faced many challenges since court decisions have hampered the industry, as well as questions over jurisdiction and allocations.

After the hearing on the 31st, SB 6419 was passed by the Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 5th, and now awaits action by the Rules Committee, before it can be voted upon by the full Senate.

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