Removes from current law a requirement that the Department of Fish and Wildlife establish public-private partnership agreements to restore and operate salmon hatcheries already closed. This act also modifies business plan requirements to allow for the harvest of chum salmon in designated areas. (See also SB 5543).   Official Text and Analysis.

Provides that partnership agreements are limited to hatcheries located within the Hood Canal basin. In addition, private sector hatchery partners operating chum salmon hatcheries may, under permit from the WDFW, harvest some of the hatchery fish for sale. Any sale proceeds must be reinvested into the hatchery. All hatchery partnerships going forward are given direction to prioritize the retention of classified employees and to operate consistently with federally recognized treaty rights.

Changes the hatcheries that can be managed under an agreement between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and private sector partners to only those located in the Hood Canal basin. Allows private sector hatchery partners operating chum salmon hatcheries to harvest some of the hatchery fish for sale and use any sale proceeds for reinvestment into the hatchery. Provides direction to hatchery partners to prioritize the retention of classified employees.

Changes the hatcheries that can be managed under an agreement between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and private sector partners to only those located in the Hood Canal basin. Allows private sector hatchery partners operating chum salmon hatcheries to harvest some of the hatchery fish for sale and use any sale proceeds for reinvestment into the hatchery. Provides direction to hatchery partners to prioritize the retention of classified employees.