Makes the fishing for shellfish with “pot gear” illegal, unless it allows for a form of escapement. Authorizes the department of fish and wildlife to collect a voluntary shellfish pot removal donation to help the removal and disposal of derelict crab and shrimp pots from the waters of the state.   Official Text and Analysis.

Creates separate recreational and commercial penalties for using a noncompliant shellfish pot. Removes the codification of the administrative rule requiring escapement design in shellfish pots. Allows the Commission to decrease the scope of the program to reflect the unique conditions of the Puget Sound. Removes a direction to the WDFW to collect donations used to fund a shellfish pot removal grant program, and creates a distinction between derelict fishing gear and derelict shellfish gear.

Creates two new enforcement mechanisms for individuals who use noncompliant shellfish gear or are found in possession of non-compliant shellfish gear while on a vessel. It allows the Department of Fish and Wildlife to expand the coastal commercial Dungeness crab pot removal permit to the Puget Sound.

To provide that DFW must ensure maintenance of the derelict fishing gear and shellfish pot database, but need not conduct the maintenance itself; increases the frequency with which DFW may change the vessel designated on a coastal Dungeness crab license to a vessel of comparable size; and adds provisions extending the statutory license buyback program for the sea urchin and sea cucumber dive fisheries.

Creates two new enforcement mechanisms for individuals who use non- compliant shellfish gear or are found in possession of non-compliant shellfish gear while on a vessel. Provides discretionary authority for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to expand the coastal commercial Dungeness crab pot removal permit to the Puget Sound.

Creates two new enforcement mechanisms for individuals who use non- compliant shellfish gear or are found in possession of non-compliant shellfish gear while on a vessel. Provides discretionary authority for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to expand the coastal commercial Dungeness crab pot removal permit to the Puget Sound.

Creates two new enforcement mechanisms for individuals who use non- compliant shellfish gear or are found in possession of non-compliant shellfish gear while on a vessel. Provides discretionary authority for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to expand the coastal commercial Dungeness crab pot removal permit to the Puget Sound.