AGO Opinion Topics: FISH

Proposed Initiative 192, if passed, would not affect the general regulatory powers of the director of fisheries except that it would fix the limits of the salmon preserves defined therein and would probably abolish the three salmon preserves existing in the Straits of Juan de Fuca, San Juan, and Drayton Harbor, previously established by the director.

A person operating a boat for hire, selling frozen herring for bait only, falls within the purview of RCW 75.28.310 and is required to obtain either a wholesale or retail fish dealer's license.

The Pollution Control Commission does not have authority to bring a civil action in the name of the state for damages to fish, game or other resources, arising from pollution.