Hatfield advances crab buyback bill

OLYMPIA – Sen. Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, revived his plan to expand the authority of the Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a crab fishery license buy-back program with the passage of Senate Bill 6821, which was amended to include Hatfield’s original proposal.

“The crab fishery buyback program is crucial to the fishing industry in Washington. I’m glad to help keep the program alive with this amendment, and I hope the new bill will swiftly pass the House,” said Hatfield.

Hatfield’s original proposal, SB 6419, was not voted on in time by the Senate to be considered by the House. Through an amendment by Hatfield, SB 6821 would now allow the Department of Fish and Wildlife to use buybacks to 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. The new buybacks 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.

SB 6821 passed the Senate 44-3 on Feb. 19, and is currently awaiting a vote in the House before the March 7 deadline. The 2008 Session adjourns March 13.

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