Existing law requires a person taking steelhead trout in inland waters, in addition to a valid California sport fishing license and any applicable sport license stamp, to have in his or her possession a valid nontransferable steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Under existing law, the base fee for the fishing report-restoration card was $5 for the 2004 license year and is authorized to be adjusted annually pursuant to a specified index. Existing law requires revenues to be deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund and to be available for expenditure, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to monitor, restore, or enhance steelhead trout resources consistent with specified law, and to administer the fishing report-restoration card program. Existing law requires the department to report to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2016, regarding the steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card programs projects undertaken using revenues derived pursuant to that program, the benefits derived, and its recommendations for revising the fishing report-restoration card requirement, if any. These provisions become inoperative as of July 1, 2017, and are repealed as of January 1, 2018.

This bill would extend the operation of those provisions to July 1, 2022, to be repealed as of January 1, 2023. The bill would require the department to report to the Legislature regarding the fishing report-restoration card programs projects on or before July 1, 2021.

Because this bill would extend the operation of the fishing report-restoration card requirements, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Existing law requires a person taking steelhead trout in inland waters, in addition to a valid California sport fishing license and any applicable sport license stamp, to have in his or her possession a valid nontransferable steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Under existing law, the base fee for the fishing report-restoration card was $5 for the 2004 license year and is authorized to be adjusted annually pursuant to a specified index. Existing law requires revenues to be deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund and to be available for expenditure, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to monitor, restore, or enhance steelhead trout resources consistent with specified law, and to administer the fishing report-restoration card program. Existing law requires the department to report to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2016, regarding the steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card programs projects undertaken using revenues derived pursuant to that program, the benefits derived, and its recommendations for revising the fishing report-restoration card requirement, if any. These provisions become inoperative as of July 1, 2017, and are repealed as of January 1, 2018.

This bill would extend the operation of those provisions to July 1, 2022, to be repealed as of January 1, 2023. The bill would require the department to report to the Legislature regarding the fishing report-restoration card programs projects on or before July 1, 2021.

Because this bill would extend the operation of the fishing report-restoration card requirements, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Existing law requires a person taking steelhead trout in inland waters, in addition to a valid California sport fishing license and any applicable sport license stamp, to have in his or her possession a valid nontransferable steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Under existing law, the base fee for the fishing report-restoration card was $5 for the 2004 license year and is authorized to be adjusted annually pursuant to a specified index. Existing law requires revenues to be deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund and to be available for expenditure, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to monitor, restore, or enhance steelhead trout resources consistent with specified law, and to administer the fishing report-restoration card program. Existing law requires the department to report to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2016, regarding the steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card programs projects undertaken using revenues derived pursuant to that program, the benefits derived, and its recommendations for revising the fishing report-restoration card requirement, if any. These provisions become inoperative as of July 1, 2017, and are repealed as of January 1, 2018.

This bill would extend the operation of those provisions to July 1, 2022, to be repealed as of January 1, 2023. The bill would require the department to report to the Legislature regarding the fishing report-restoration card programs projects on or before July 1, 2021.

Because this bill would extend the operation of the fishing report-restoration card requirements, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Existing law requires a person taking steelhead trout in inland waters, in addition to a valid California sport fishing license and any applicable sport license stamp, to have in his or her possession a valid nontransferable steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Under existing law, the base fee for the card was $5 for the 2004 license year and is authorized to be adjusted annually pursuant to a specified index. Existing law requires revenues to be deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund and to be available for expenditure, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to monitor, restore, or enhance steelhead trout resources consistent with specified law, and to administer the fishing report-restoration card program. These provisions become inoperative as of July 1, 2017, and are repealed as of January 1, 2018.

This bill would extend the operation of those provisions to July 1, 2022, to be repealed as of January 1, 2023.

Because this bill would extend the operation of the fishing report-restoration card requirements, the violation of which would be a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SB 144

Author:(McGuire and Nielsen)

As Amended Ver:March 15, 2017

2/3 vote. Urgency

SENATE VOTE: 40-0

SUMMARY: Extends for five years, from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2022, the steelhead trout report-restoration card program (report card program). Specifically, this bill:

1. Contains an urgency clause in order to ensure the uninterrupted collection of information and funds used to help preserve steelhead trout.
2. Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to report to the legislature on or before July 1, 2021, on the report card program.
3. Provides that no reimbursement pursuant to the California Constitution is required by this act.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes a state policy to significantly increase the natural production of salmon and steelhead trout. Establishes a state policy that existing natural salmon and steelhead trout habitat shall not be diminished further without offsetting the impacts of habitat loss. Establishes a state policy to recognize and encourage public and privately funded mitigation, restoration, and enhancement programs to protect and increase natural spawning of salmon and steelhead trout.
2. Requires the purchase of a non-transferable steelhead trout report card in addition to a sport fishing license to fish for steelhead trout. Requires specified information be recorded on the report card and reported to the DFW from January 1st thru January 31st of the following calendar year from purchase.
3. Establishes a base fee of $5 for the report card program in statute in 2004, and adjusts the fee annually based on inflation. With adjustments, the current fee for the report card is $7.05.
4. Requires revenue from the steelhead trout report card be deposited into the steelhead trout dedicated account in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Requires that those funds only be expended upon appropriation by the legislature and only to monitor, restore, or enhance steelhead trout resources, and to administer the program.
5. Contains a sunset clause providing that the steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card program shall become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and as of January 1, 2018, is repealed unless a later enacted statute that is enacted before January 1, 2018, deletes or extends those dates.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, continuing report card revenue of approximately $350,000 (Fish and Game Preservation Fund-Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account) per year for five years resulting from extending the program.

Approximately $300,000 (General Fund and Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account) to the DFW to administer the program.

The base fee for the Steelhead Report Card is $5 and has not been reassessed since 2004. The Steelhead Report Card Program is challenged with balancing its administrative costs while maintaining a significant fund balance dedicated to research and restoration projects benefiting steelhead.

COMMENTS: The purpose of the report card program is to gather angler data and revenue to be utilized by the DFW in management and regulatory decisions. The DFW has been utilizing the report card program to monitor stream-specific trends for nearly 25 years. The report card produces information on the number of steelhead anglers statewide, where steelhead fishing occurs, how successful anglers are, and if they are catching wild or hatchery fish. This information can be used to assess the impacts of fishing on steelhead, a federally listed endangered species.

Revenue generated from report card sales is dedicated to funding habitat restoration projects that contribute to the conservation, monitoring, and recovery of steelhead. Between 2007 and 2014, report card sales generated approximately $2.5 million of which over $1.9 million was used to fund 75 restoration projects. Prior to the implementation of the report card program in 1993, steelhead seldom received funding for habitat restoration and monitoring projects.

Due to low report card returns in 2002, it was mandated that report cards be returned to the DFW. In the most recent report to the Legislature on the program covering 2007-2014, it was noted that only 30% complied with the requirement. In 2009, an online system of reporting was put in place, which has been increasing in utilization. In 2016, the report card itself was significantly simplified with the length reduced by half and the number of location codes dropping from 73 to 20.

Analysis Prepared by: Ryan Ojakian / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0001267

Date of Hearing: July 19, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 144

Author:(McGuire) – As Amended Ver:March 15, 2017

Urgency: Yes State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This urgency bill extends the steelhead trout report-restoration card program for five years and requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to report to the Legislature by July 1, 2021 on the program.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Continuing report card revenue of approximately $350,000 (Fish and Game Preservation Fund-Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account) per year for five years resulting from extending the program.

Approximately $300,000 (General Fund and Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account) to DFW to administer the program.

The program is managed by three staff: 1) a part-time Scientific Aide, responsible for data entry and management; 2) a part-time Associate Governmental Program Analyst, responsible for assisting with fund coordination; and 3) a full-time Environmental Scientist, responsible for coordination of the statewide Program. Both part-time positions are funded through the Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account; the Environmental Scientist is paid through the General Fund.

The base fee for the Steelhead Report Card is $5 and has not been reassessed since 2004. The Steelhead Report Card Program is challenged with balancing its administrative costs while maintaining a significant fund balance dedicated to research and restoration projects benefiting steelhead.

COMMENTS:

Background and Purpose. The purpose of the report card program is to gather angler data and revenue to be utilized by DFW in management and regulatory decisions. The DFW has been utilizing the report card program to monitor stream-specific trends for nearly 25 years. The report card produces information on the number of steelhead anglers statewide, where steelhead fishing occurs, how successful anglers are, and if they are catching wild or hatchery fish. This information can be used to assess the impacts of fishing on steelhead, a federally listed endangered species.

Revenue generated from the report card sales is dedicated to funding habitat restoration projects that contribute to the conservation, monitoring, and recovery of steelhead. Between 2007 and 2014, report card sales generated approximately $2.5 million of which over $1.9 million was used to fund 75 restoration projects. Prior to the implementation of the report card program in 1993, steelhead seldom received funding for habitat restoration and monitoring projects.

Due to low report card returns in 2002, it was mandated that report cards be returned to the DFW. In the most recent report to the Legislature on the program covering 2007-2014, it was noted that only 30% complied with the requirement. In 2009, an online system of reporting was put in place, which has been increasing in utilization. In 2016, the report card itself was significantly simplified with the length reduced by half and the number of location codes dropping from 73 to 20.

According to the author, “This bill will extend the operation of the steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card until July 1 2022. In order to maintain the continuity of the program, this bill will take effect immediately.”

Analysis Prepared by: Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 27, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE

Eduardo Garcia, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 144

Author:(McGuire) – As Amended Ver:March 15, 2017

SENATE VOTE:

SUBJECT: Fish and wildlife: steelhead trout: fishing report-restoration card

SUMMARY: Extends for five years, from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2022, the steelhead trout report-restoration card program (report card program). Specifically, this bill:

1. Contains an urgency clause in order to ensure the uninterrupted collection of information and funds used to help preserve steelhead trout.
2. Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to report to the legislature on or before July 1, 2021, on the report card program.
3. Provides that no reimbursement pursuant to the California Constitution is required by this act.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes a state policy to significantly increase the natural production of salmon and steelhead trout. Establishes a state policy that existing natural salmon and steelhead trough habitat shall not be diminished further without offsetting the impacts of habitat loss. Establishes a state policy to recognize and encourage public and privately funded mitigation, restoration, and enhancement programs to protect and increase natural spawning of salmon and steelhead trout.
2. Requires the purchase of a non-transferable steelhead trout report card in addition to a sport fishing license to fish for steelhead trout. Requires specified information be recorded on the report card and reported to the DFW from January 1st thru January 31^st of the following calendar year from purchase.
3. Establishes a base fee of $5 for the report card program in statute in 2004, and adjusts the fee annually based on inflation. With adjustments, the current fee for the report card is $7.05.
4. Requires revenue from the steelhead trout report card be deposited into the steelhead trout dedicated account in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Requires that those funds only be expended upon appropriation by the legislature and only to monitor, restore, or enhance steelhead trout resources, and to administer the program.
5. Contains a sunset clause providing that the steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card program shall become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and as of January 1, 2018, is repealed unless a later enacted statute that is enacted before January 1, 2018 deletes or extends those dates.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Extends for five years, from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2022, the steelhead trout report-restoration card program.

Author’s Statement:

The iconic steelhead trout has suffered devastating population declines over the past several generations. In 1991, the Legislature authorized the steelhead trout report card to combat the drop in the fish populations. Through the past two decades, this program has become an indispensable tool for the DFW to manage steelhead fisheries and curb declines in population. This bill would extend this important program for another five years.

The DFW is required to monitor and restore steelhead populations. Obtaining information on angler effort and harvest of both wild and hatchery steelhead is crucial for this effort. The DFW's goal is to improve steelhead habitat and populations while enhancing steelhead fishing opportunities and success. This requires accurate and complete data from steelhead anglers. The program is currently due to become inoperative on July 1, 2017, and repealed January 1, 2018, without this bill.

This bill will extend the operation of the steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card until July 1, 2022. In order to maintain the continuity of the program, this bill would take effect immediately.

Background: Steelhead Basics. Steelhead trout are an anadromous fish. Anadromous fish are characterized by migrating from salt water to spawn in fresh water, such as salmon. Steelhead trout are an important biological, economical and recreation resource throughout the Western Pacific states. Wild steelhead populations are widespread across California with six genetically distinct populations historically ranging from the Oregon border to the Mexican border. All but one of those populations are listed under the federal endangered species act (FESA). The major factor causing the decline is degradation of, and loss of, freshwater habitat caused by dams, development, urbanization, water diversions, timber harvest, agriculture, and other land use practices. Today the steelhead populations south of San Francisco Bay are significantly reduced with Malibu Creek being the southernmost location with steelhead.

To combat the decline of wild steelhead, hatchery populations were established. There is evidence that supplementing steelhead with hatchery populations may be contributing to their decline by causing loss of genetic diversity. Today, all hatchery released steelhead are sterile, and are being released solely for the benefit of anglers.

Why Have a Report Card? The purpose of the report card program is to gather angler data and revenue to be utilized by the DFW in management and regulatory decisions. The DFW has been utilizing the report card program to monitor stream-specific trends for nearly 25 years. The report card produces information on the number of steelhead anglers statewide, where steelhead fishing occurs, how successful anglers are, and if they are catching wild or hatchery fish. This information can be used to assess the impacts of fishing on FESA listed steelhead.

Revenue generated from the report card sales is dedicated to funding habitat restoration projects that contribute to the conservation, monitoring, and recovery of steelhead. Between 2007 and 2014 report card sales generated approximately $2.5 million of which over $1.9 million was used to fund 75 restoration projects. Prior to the implementation of the report card program in 1993, steelhead seldom received funding for habitat restoration and monitoring projects.

Completing the Report Card? Due to low report card returns in 2002 it was mandated that report cards be returned to the DFW. In the most recent report to the Legislature on the program covering 2007-2014, it was noted that only 30% complied with the requirement. In 2009, an online system of reporting was put in place, which has been increasing in utilization. In 2016 the report card itself was significantly simplified with the length of report card being reduced by half and the number of location codes dropping from 73 to 20.

Prior and Related Legislation:

AB 528 (Chesbro), Chapter 594, Statutes of 2011, among other things, extended the report card program sunset by five years.

AB 2773 (Berg), Chapter 297, Statutes of 2006, among other things, extended the report card program sunset by five years.

AB 2783 (Strom-Martin), Chapter 594, Statutes of 2002, among other things, extended the report card program sunset by five years.

SB 183 (Thompson), Chapter 240, Statutes of 1997, extended the report card program sunset by five years.

AB 2187 (Tanner), Chapter 1037, Statutes of 1991, created the report card program.

Supporting Arguments: The report card program provides the best option for generating steelhead harvest data to meet management goals, to measure potential angling impacts, and to generate revenue to implement restoration measures and should be continued.

Legislative oversight of the DFW, and its activities and programs, serves the best interests of sportsmen and the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The steelhead resource will benefit from such oversight and continuation of the program.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Association of Professional Scientists

California Sportsman’s Lobby

Outdoor Sportsmen’s Coalition of California

Safari Club International

Safari Club International Foundation

Sierra Club California

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Ryan Ojakian / W., P., & W. /

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 144

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 9-0, 3/14/17

AYES: Hertzberg, Stone, Allen, Atkins, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Stern, Vidak

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 5/25/17

AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Bradford, Hill, Nielsen, Wiener

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill extends the operation of the fishing report-restoration card program to July 1, 2022, and requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to report to the Legislature on use of program revenues on or before July 1, 2021, which is consistent with the previous reporting interval.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Requires a person taking a steelhead trout in inland waters to have in his or her possession a valid California sport fishing license, any applicable sport license stamp, and a valid steelhead trout fishing report restoration card (steelhead report card). Such cards are issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (the Department). The steelhead report cardholder is further required to record certain fishing information
2. Requires the Department to report to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2016, regarding the use of revenues from steelhead trout fishing report-restoration card program for steelhead-related projects.
3. Requires states, including California, pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), Section 4d, to develop and implement Fishery Management Evaluation Plans to assess and monitor the steelhead fishery.
4. Requires the Department to monitor and restore steelhead populations (Fish and Game Code § 6900), in addition to promoting fishing opportunities.

This bill:

1. Extends the operation of the fishing report-restoration card program to July 1, 2022, and the program repeal date to January 1, 2023.
2. Requires the Department to report to the Legislature on use of program revenues on or before July 1, 2021, which is consistent with the previous reporting interval.

Background

Steelhead trout are one of California’s iconic anadromous fishes, which migrate from the ocean to California rivers and streams to breed and lay eggs. As they migrate from the ocean to freshwater steelhead trout utilize California streams and rivers along nearly the entire coast of California, ranging from San Mateo Creek in San Diego County to the Smith River in Del Norte County. This includes six “distinct population segments” (DPS) of steelhead, which are distributed discretely throughout the overall steelhead range. A DPS is defined as a population or populations within a species that are discrete from other populations of the species and significant in relation to the entire species.

California steelhead trout populations have been in decline for much of the last few decades. Between 1997 and 2000, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed nearly all the steelhead populations in California as threatened under the ESA. In addition, the southern California steelhead DPS is listed as endangered under the ESA.

The purpose of the steelhead report card is to gather harvest data for the conservation of California steelhead trout, including information that can be used to assess the impacts of angling on ESA-listed salmon. Washington and Oregon, which also have steelhead populations, also have catch report requirements. California is distinctive in that it requires that the proceeds from the card sales be used for steelhead restoration projects.

The steelhead report card program was implemented by the Department in 1993, pursuant to AB 2187 (Tanner). Subsequent legislation has modified and extended this program, including SB 183 (Thompson) in 1997, AB 2783 (Strom-Martin) in 2002, AB 2773 (Berg) in 2006, and AB 528 (Chesbro) in 2011.

Currently, the fee for the steelhead card is $7.05, and the revenues raised from the card are deposited in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund for use in monitoring, restoring, and enhancing steelhead populations. Each year, the Department has a request for proposals for steelhead restoration projects.

Comments

How are the data used? The catch data generated by the steelhead report card program assist the assessment of potential angling impacts to ESA-listed steelhead populations. In particular, the steelhead report card provides information that can be used to determine whether exploitation of wild stocks is occurring or not. The steelhead report card captures information about fishing success rates and regional fishing pressure. In addition, the steelhead report card has become a more valuable tool over time because it has been changed to include information on wild versus hatchery steelhead. The steelhead report card program also makes historical data available to state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.

What is the level of angler participation? Despite the fact that participation in the steelhead report card program is mandatory, the percent of report cards returned to Department nearly always registers below 35%. In recent years, the lowest return rate was 12% in 2006 and the highest was 39% in 2011. Online reporting options, which were made possible in 2009, may improve reporting rates over time.

How are the revenues used? The steelhead report card has become a source of revenue for steelhead projects to monitor, restore, and enhance California’s steelhead resources. Typical projects include restoring spawning (breeding and egg-laying) and rearing habitat, increasing stream flow rates to promote adequate steelhead habitat, removing barriers to fish migration to open up more upstream river habitat, as well as education and outreach to the public. From 2007-2014 (the most recent report to the Legislature, 2016) the steelhead report card program sold 420,000 cards, raising $2,489,000 in revenues. Of these funds, $1,935,000 were used to fund 75 restoration projects.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, total costs include approximately $350,000 in report card revenue (Fish and Game Preservation Fund – Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account), and approximately $300,000 (General Fund and Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account) to the Department to administer the program.

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/26/17)

California Advisory Committee on Salmon and Steelead Trout

California Association of Professional Scientists

California Sportfishing League

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance

California Sportsman’s Lobby

California Trout

Coastside Fishing Club

Northern California Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers

Outdoor Sportsmen’s Coalition of California

Safari Club International

Safari Club International Foundation

Trout Unlimited

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/26/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “the iconic steelhead trout has suffered devastating population declines over the past several generations. In 1991, the Legislature authorized the steelhead trout report card to combat the drop in the fish populations. Through the past two decades, this program has become an indispensable tool for the Department to manage steelhead fisheries and curb declines in population.”

The Department argues that the report card program provides the best option for generating steelhead harvest data to meet management goals outlined in the Steelhead Plan, to measure potential angling impacts to steelhead in compliance with ESA Section 4d, and to generate revenue to implement restoration measures identified in the Steelhead Plan and elsewhere. Now that the report card can capture data on wild (non fin-clipped) steelhead separately from hatchery steelhead, it is a much more valuable tool for managing steelhead populations listed under the ESA. In addition, the Department and other supporters share the sentiment that the report card program provides an excellent source of revenue for steelhead projects to monitor, restore, and enhance California’s steelhead resources.

Prepared by:

5/27/17 18:36:05

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular Session

SB 144 (McGuire) - Fish and wildlife: steelhead trout: fishing report-restoration card

This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

SB 144 extends the sunset on the Steelhead trout fishing report card Program (Program) until July 1, 2022.

Fiscal Impact:

• Approximately $350,000 in report card revenue (Fish and Game Preservation Fund -Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account).
• Approximately $300,000 (General Fund and Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account) to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) to administer the Program.

Background:

The Department manages California's fish, wildlife, and plant resources. It also regulates hunting and sportfishing within the state. Under current law, any person who attempts to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians, or reptiles in inland or ocean waters is required to hold a valid fishing license.

In addition to a fishing license, any person taking steelhead trout in inland waters must possess a valid nontransferable steelhead fishing report-restoration card (report card) issued by the Department. The cardholder is further required to record certain fishing information on the report card, and provide this information to the Department. This data, which is also available to the public, aids in the conservation of California steelhead trout as well as other species.

The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) provides for the conservation of threatened or endangered species, and the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend. It is jointly administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), who have jurisdiction over land and freshwater species, and marine species, respectively. Between 1997 and 2000, the NMFS listed nearly all the steelhead populations in California as threatened, and certain distinct population segments as endangered.

The ESA requires the NMFS and the Department to develop and implement various fishery management plans to assess and monitor the steelhead fishery. Fish and Game Code §6900 also requires the Department to monitor and restore steelhead populations in addition to promoting fishing opportunities.

Currently, the report card costs $6.50 (excluding the $.55 surcharge). Revenues are deposited into the Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account, and fund steelhead monitoring and restoration efforts. Each year, the Department issues a request for proposal for restoration projects. Typical projects include restoration of spawning and rearing habitat, increasing stream flow rates to promote adequate steelhead habitat, and public education.

Proposed Law:

This bill extends the sunset on the Program until July 1, 2022.

Related Legislation:

AB 528 (Chesbro, Chapter 594, Statutes of 2011), among other things, extended the Program sunset by five years.

AB 2773 (Berg, Chapter 297, Statutes of 2006), among other things, extended the Program sunset by five years.

AB 2783 (Strom-Martin, Chapter 594, Statutes of 2002), among other things, extended the Program sunset by five years.

SB 183 (Thompson, 1997) extended the Program sunset by five years.

AB 2187 (Tanner, Statutes of 1993) created the Program.

Staff Comments:

Annual Program Revenues. Staff notes that annual report card revenues vary significantly from year to year. Since 2012, revenues have ranged between $331,000 and $370,000 (including annual report card revenue and annual transfers from lifetime licenses).

Program Management. The Program is managed by three staff: (1) a part-time Scientific Aide, responsible for data entry and management; (2) a part-time Associate Governmental Program Analyst, responsible for assisting with fund coordination; and (3) a full-time Environmental Scientist (Range C), responsible for coordination of the statewide Program. Both part-time positions are funded through the Steelhead Trout Dedicated Account; the Environmental Scientist is paid through the General Fund.

State Mandate. This bill constitutes a state mandate. However, under the California Constitution, costs associated legislation defining a new crime or changing an existing definition of a crime are not reimbursable.

-- END --