PROGRAM TO PURCHASE FISHING VESSELS AND LICENSES

RCW 77.80

in effect

RCW 77.80.020 Program authorized — Conditions.

(1)(a) The department may purchase commercial fishing vessels and appurtenant gear, and the current state commercial fishing licenses, delivery permits, and charter boat licenses if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al., Civil No. 9213, United States District Court for Western District of Washington, February 12, 1974, and Sohappy v. Smith, 302 F. Supp. 899 (D. Oregon, 1969), as amended, affirmed, and remanded 529 F. 2d 570 (9th Cir., 1976). (b) The department may also make such purchases if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al ., 873 F. Supp. 1422 (W.D. Wash. 1994) as affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded 157 F.3d 630 (9th Cir., 1998), if the federal government provides funding to the state for the purpose of initiating these purchases. (2) The department shall not purchase a vessel under this section without also purchasing all current Washington commercial fishing licenses and delivery permits and charter boat licenses issued to the vessel or its owner. The department may purchase current licenses and delivery permits without purchasing the vessel. (1)(a) The department may purchase commercial fishing vessels and appurtenant gear, and the current state commercial fishing licenses, delivery permits, and charter boat licenses if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al., Civil No. 9213, United States District Court for Western District of Washington, February 12, 1974, and Sohappy v. Smith, 302 F. Supp. 899 (D. Oregon, 1969), as amended, affirmed, and remanded 529 F. 2d 570 (9th Cir., 1976). (b) The department may also make such purchases if the license or permit holder was substantially restricted in fishing as a result of compliance with United States of America et al. v. State of Washington et al ., 873 F. Supp. 1422 (W.D. Wash. 1994) as affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded 157 F.3d 630 (9th Cir., 1998), if the federal government provides funding to the state for the purpose of initiating these purchases. (2) The department shall not purchase a vessel under this section without also purchasing all current Washington commercial fishing licenses and delivery permits and charter boat licenses issued to the vessel or its owner. The department may purchase current licenses and delivery permits without purchasing the vessel.

RCW 77.80.030 Determination of purchase price — Maximum price.

The purchase price of a vessel and appurtenant gear shall be based on a survey conducted by a qualified marine surveyor. A license or delivery permit shall be valued separately. The director may specify a maximum price to be paid for a vessel, gear, license, or delivery permit purchased under RCW 77.80.020 . A license or delivery permit purchased under RCW 77.80.020 shall be permanently retired by the department. The purchase price of a vessel and appurtenant gear shall be based on a survey conducted by a qualified marine surveyor. A license or delivery permit shall be valued separately. The director may specify a maximum price to be paid for a vessel, gear, license, or delivery permit purchased under RCW 77.80.020 . A license or delivery permit purchased under RCW 77.80.020 shall be permanently retired by the department.

RCW 77.80.040 Disposition of vessels and gear — Prohibition against using purchased vessels for fishing purposes.

The department may arrange for the insurance, storage, and resale or other disposition of vessels and gear purchased under RCW 77.80.020 . Vessels shall not be resold by the department to the seller or the seller's immediate family. The vessels shall not be used by any owner or operator: (1) As a commercial fishing or charter vessel in state waters; or (2) to deliver fish to a place or port in the state. The department shall require that the purchasers and other users of vessels sold by the department execute suitable instruments to insure compliance with the requirements of this section. The director may commence suit or be sued on such an instrument in a state court of record or United States district court having jurisdiction. The department may arrange for the insurance, storage, and resale or other disposition of vessels and gear purchased under RCW 77.80.020 . Vessels shall not be resold by the department to the seller or the seller's immediate family. The vessels shall not be used by any owner or operator: (1) As a commercial fishing or charter vessel in state waters; or (2) to deliver fish to a place or port in the state. The department shall require that the purchasers and other users of vessels sold by the department execute suitable instruments to insure compliance with the requirements of this section. The director may commence suit or be sued on such an instrument in a state court of record or United States district court having jurisdiction.

RCW 77.80.050 Rules — Administration of chapter.

The director shall adopt rules for the administration of this chapter. To assist the department in the administration of this chapter, the director may contract with persons not employed by the state and may enlist the aid of other state agencies. The director shall adopt rules for the administration of this chapter. To assist the department in the administration of this chapter, the director may contract with persons not employed by the state and may enlist the aid of other state agencies.

RCW 77.80.060 Vessel, gear, license, and permit reduction fund.

(1) The director is responsible for the administration and disbursement of all funds, goods, commodities, and services received by the state under this chapter. (2) There is created within the state treasury a fund to be known as the "vessel, gear, license, and permit reduction fund". This fund shall be used for purchases under RCW 77.80.020 and for the administration of this chapter. This fund shall be credited with federal or other funds received to carry out the purposes of this chapter and the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of property purchased under RCW 77.80.020 . (1) The director is responsible for the administration and disbursement of all funds, goods, commodities, and services received by the state under this chapter. (2) There is created within the state treasury a fund to be known as the "vessel, gear, license, and permit reduction fund". This fund shall be used for purchases under RCW 77.80.020 and for the administration of this chapter. This fund shall be credited with federal or other funds received to carry out the purposes of this chapter and the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of property purchased under RCW 77.80.020 .

Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.80&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026