Oregon 2023 Regular Session

Oregon House Bill HB3156

Introduced
1/26/23  
Refer
1/30/23  

Caption

Relating to Columbia River fisheries.

Impact

The bill is significant for the management of Columbia River fisheries, specifically by regulating the issuance and retirement of gillnet vessel permits. By establishing the buyback fund and program, HB3156 seeks to address concerns related to overfishing and the ecological health of fish populations in the Columbia River. Additionally, it limits the actions that the State Fish and Wildlife Commission can take regarding regulations on gillnet use, aiming to maintain consistent restrictions that were in place from 2017 to 2020. This could reshape how fisheries are managed in the area and lead to a decreased impact on fish populations.

Summary

House Bill 3156 aims to create the Columbia River Commercial Gillnet Buyback Fund and establish a buyback program for gillnet vessel permits in the Columbia River. This legislation is designed to reduce the number of active gillnet permits and transition nontribal commercial gillnet fisheries out of the mainstem Columbia River, with the ultimate goal of benefiting the conservation of wild Columbia River salmon and steelhead populations. The program will facilitate a voluntary purchase of permits, allowing the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to retire permits once purchased.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB3156 is mixed. Supporters view the bill as a necessary step towards improving the ecological health of the Columbia River and ensuring better management of commercial fishing practices. They argue that the buyback program will help reduce overfishing and allow salmon populations to recover. However, opponents may express concerns about the implications for commercial fishermen who depend on gillnet fishing for their livelihoods. There is a palpable tension between conservation efforts and the economic interests of commercial fishers.

Contention

One notable point of contention within HB3156 is the prohibition on the State Fish and Wildlife Commission from increasing the season or area where nontribal gillnets are permitted beyond the framework established from 2017 to 2020. This could lead to debates over the balance between fishery conservation and the rights of commercial fishers to operate. The legislation may stir further discussions about the socio-economic impacts on communities reliant on gillnet fishing and whether the restrictions might be too extreme in the pursuit of conservation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR SB1509

Relating to Columbia River fisheries; declaring an emergency.

OR HB3827

Relating to Columbia River fisheries.

OR H655

Coastal Fisheries Licensing Reforms

OR SB1309

Fishing: Fisheries Omnibus Bill of 2018.

OR HB2342

Relating to fees concerning wildlife; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB691

Provides relative to fee increases for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (EN +$16,611,750 SD RV See Note)

OR SB1017

Commercial fishing: drift gill net shark and swordfish fishery: permit transition program.

OR AB1573

Marine fisheries: experimental fishing permits.

OR HJR5

Alaska Fisheries; Troll Fisheries

OR HB2243

Relating to hunting.

Similar Bills

US HB3064

District of Columbia Government Title Equality Act

DC B25-0204

Fiscal Year 2024 Federal Portion Budget Request Act of 2023

US HB811

District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act

US SB250

District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act

US HB4477

American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Election Integrity and Voter Confidence Act

DC B25-0786

Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Portion Budget Request Act of 2024

DC B26-0261

Fiscal Year 2026 Federal Portion Budget Request Act of 2025

SC H4473

The Woman's Club of Columbia