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Pearson bill to create economic fishery
advisory committee passes House
Hoping to create more fishing opportunities that would benefit local
economies, the Washington House of Representatives today adopted a bill,
95-0, that would authorize the creation of a special economic fishery
advisory committee.
Rep.
Kirk Pearson, who prime sponsored House Bill 2920, says the
committee would review and provide guidance on fishing seasons and their
impacts to local economies.
"What I propose for recreational fisheries is getting together an
advisory group composed of local businesspeople, sports fishers,
commercial fishermen and other stakeholders from within six Fish and
Wildlife regions across the state. They would advise the director of
Fish and Wildlife of potential opportunities for fishing," said Pearson,
R-Monroe.
Pearson said that a budget request of $120,000 by the governor for a
Lake Washington sockeye run is expected to generate nearly $6 million
for adjacent cities and communities.
"A study was recently done in Idaho about the economic benefits of
recreational fishing. They estimated that the impact is more than $90
million statewide. We know that additional fishing seasons in our state
will also bring in needed revenue to our local economies," said Pearson.
"In my district, I have the Skagit, Snohomish, Stilliguamish, Sauk,
Skykomish and Cascade rivers. When we get a good run of fish, people
come to enjoy that opportunity," added Pearson. "They come to our
restaurants, they buy fishing licenses, and gear. It really helps the
local economy."
Under the bill, the committee may review and provide guidance on
proposed recreational and commercial fishing seasons, and advise the
Department of Fish and Wildlife of significant economic impacts to local
economies from proposed fishing seasons. In addition, the committee and
the department would work together to develop alternative fishing
seasons that would maximize economic benefits to local communities.
The measure now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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