(1) The limited fish seller endorsement permits a license holder or alternate operator to clean, dress, and sell his or her commercially harvested catch directly to consumers at retail. The limited fish seller endorsement may be issued as an optional addition to all holders of a commercial fishing license issued by the department and may be purchased at the time of the underlying license sale or any time thereafter.

(2) The holder of a limited fish seller endorsement selling their own catch directly to consumers is exempt from the permitting requirements of chapter 246-215 WAC. To ensure food safety for consumers, the holder of a limited fish seller endorsement must follow these requirements: (a) Only sell fresh, whole fish or fresh fish that has been cleaned and dressed; (b) use ice from a commercial source to hold the fish; and (c) provide the buyer with a receipt stating the date of purchase, Washington fish-receiving ticket number documenting the original delivery, name, address, and phone number of the holder of the limited fish seller endorsement from whom the fish or shellfish was purchased, and the species and weight or number of fish or shellfish sold. Failure to satisfy these food safety requirements is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160. A licensed commercial fisher holding a limited fish seller endorsement may allow a designated alternate to sell under the authority of that endorsement.

(3) An individual need only add one limited fish seller endorsement to his or her license portfolio. If a limited fish seller endorsement is selected by an individual holding more than one commercial fishing license issued by the department, an endorsement is considered to be added to all commercial fishing licenses held by that individual, and is the only endorsement required for the individual to sell at retail any species permitted by any of the underlying endorsed licenses.

(4) The fee for a resident limited fish seller endorsement is seventy dollars. The fee for a nonresident limited fish seller endorsement is four hundred fifty-five dollars. The application fee for both a resident and nonresident endorsement is one hundred five dollars.

(5) The holder of a limited fish seller endorsement is responsible for documenting the commercial harvest and sales according to the rules of the department.

(6) The limited fish seller endorsement is to be held by a natural person and is not transferable or assignable. If the endorsed license is transferred, the limited fish seller endorsement immediately becomes void, and the transferor is not eligible for a full or prorated reimbursement of the annual fee paid for the limited fish seller endorsement. Upon becoming void, the holder of a limited fish seller endorsement must surrender the physical endorsement to the department.

(7) The holder of a qualifying commercial fishing license or an alternate operator designated on such a license, must either possess a limited fish seller endorsement or a wholesale fish buyer endorsement provided for in RCW 77.65.340 in order to lawfully sell their catch or harvest in the state to anyone other than a licensed wholesale fish buyer.

Effective date—2018 c 235: See note following RCW 77.65.150.

Finding—Intent—Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 77.08.010.

Effective date—2011 c 339: See note following RCW 43.84.092.

Finding—2002 c 301: “The legislature finds that commercial fishing is vitally important not just to the economy of Washington, but also to the cultural heritage of the maritime communities in the state. Fisher men and women have a long and proud history in the Pacific Northwest. State and local governments should seek out ways to enable and encourage these professionals to share the rewards of their craft with the nonfishing citizens of and visitors to the state of Washington by encouraging the exploration and development of new niche markets.” [ 2002 c 301 § 1.]

Effective date—2002 c 301: “This act takes effect July 1, 2002.” [ 2002 c 301 § 12.]