To create a Dungeness Crab-Coastal Fishery Buyback program to support the sustainability of Dungeness Crabs. The State shall purchase between 80 and 100 Dungeness Crab licenses. Once the licenses are purchased, the State will retire them.   Official Text and Analysis.

To remove the sections creating an account to accept moneys received for the buyback program and changing the frequency by which coastal crab license holders may change vessel designation. Changes are also made to the section directing DFW to develop a coastal crab fishery buyback program. Under the recommended substitute, the program must provide for the purchase and permanent retirement of coastal Dungeness crab licenses. DFW must design this portion of the program with the goal of purchasing between 80 and 100 licenses. The program may also provide for the purchase or retirement of vessels. The program must explore funding alternatives that involve federal funding, state funding, industry funding, and combinations of these sources. The program must also include elements necessary for the administration of the program. The program must be designed to have a neutral impact on crab harvests off the coasts of Oregon and California. Participation in the program is voluntary. DFW must consult with license holders when designing the program, and may contract for assistance in developing the program. DFW must provide a report to the Legislature detailing the program by December 1, 2007. The program may not be implemented without specific legislative authorization.

To clarify that the Department of Fish and Wildlife is directed to only develop a proposed crab buyback program and that there is no authority to actually implement a buyback program and shortens the expiration date.