CSSB 64(FIN) - Shellfish Enhancement and Hatchery Permits

• Creates new Chapter 12 authorizing nonprofit corporations to obtain permits for shellfish enhancement projects to augment yield, rehabilitate stocks, or increase productive habitat in state waters.

• Establishes permitting requirements including public hearings at least 30 days before issuance, conditions on shellfish sourcing and release, prohibition on genetically modified shellfish, and restrictions on resale or transfer of state-provided shellfish.

• Changes salmon hatchery permit application fee from fixed $100 amount to a fee determined by regulation based on department's actual cost of processing permit applications, with annual review and adjustment as needed.

• Applies identical cost-recovery fee structure to new shellfish enhancement project permits, with fees established by regulation to approximately equal department's processing costs.

• Provides tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations holding shellfish enhancement permits on income from shellfish sales and cost recovery fisheries, and allows special harvest area entry permits for nonprofits operating shellfish enhancement projects.