WashingtonSB 50762025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Establishing a Puget Sound nonspot shrimp pot fishery license.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

New license rules for shrimp fishers

Beginning July 27, 2025, commercial nonspot pot fishing in Puget Sound requires a nonspot pot or existing shrimp pot license. The new limited-entry nonspot pot license costs $335 annually, plus a $720 application fee. It is available only to individuals who held a nonspot pot or shrimp trawl license the previous licensing year, with an inheritance exception. Nonspot licenses cover dock, coonstripe, humpy, ocean pink, pink, and side stripe shrimp—not spot shrimp. Shrimp trawl license holders also have authority to harvest nonspot shrimp.

Shrimp fishers face caps and allowances

Beginning July 27, 2025, each licensee may own only one shrimp trawl or nonspot shrimp pot license. The state can issue no more than five licenses across those two categories combined. Existing shrimp pot license holders may own two licenses and use 1.5 times the usual pot and catch limits. When acquiring a second license through transfer, both licenses must name the same vessel. For 12 months after acquiring the second license, the holder cannot transfer either license separately, but can transfer both together.

Trawl fishers gain conversion, lose transfer options

Beginning July 27, 2025, Puget Sound shrimp trawl license holders can convert to limited-entry nonspot shrimp pot licenses. Conversion permanently ends the license's trawl authority. Converted licenses can harvest only nonspot shrimp resources previously allocated to trawl license holders. Beginning August 1, 2025, trawl licenses can be transferred only through conversion to nonspot pot licenses. If all trawl licenses convert, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife must review allocations with stakeholders and recommend future allocations.

Nonspot shrimp fishers can redesign gear

Beginning July 27, 2025, nonspot pot license holders can work with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on gear changes. The process aims to make harvesting pink, ocean pink, and side stripe shrimp more efficient and economical. Gear design and changes require a permit from the director.

Shrimp fishers get alternate operator options

Beginning July 27, 2025, existing pot and trawl license holders can seek non-family operators even when capable family members are available. New nonspot pot license holders can name immediate family members, including their spouse's immediate family, as alternate operators. Non-family operators need director approval and a recommendation from the pot advisory board for existing pot licenses, or the trawl advisory board for trawl and nonspot pot licenses. Medical-emergency requests require letters from two doctors explaining why the licensee cannot fish. Initial medical approvals last no more than two years; the director can extend them on the relevant board's recommendation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ron Muzzall
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Adrian Cortes
Democratic • Senate
Liz Lovelett
Democratic • Senate
Mike Chapman
Democratic • Senate
Perry Dozier
Republican • Senate
Sharon Shewmake
Democratic • Senate
Yasmin Trudeau
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/19/2025