(1) The department must establish and administer a direct retail endorsement to serve as a single license that permits the holder of a Washington license to commercially harvest retail-eligible species and to clean, dress, and sell his or her catch directly to consumers at retail, including over the internet. The direct retail endorsement must be issued as an optional addition to all holders of a commercial fishing license for retail-eligible species that the department offers under this chapter.

     (2) The direct retail endorsement must be offered at the time of application for the qualifying commercial fishing license. Individuals in possession of a qualifying commercial fishing license issued under this chapter may add a direct retail endorsement to their current license at any time. Individuals who do not have a commercial fishing license for retail-eligible species issued under this chapter may not receive a direct retail endorsement. The costs, conditions, responsibilities, and privileges associated with the endorsed commercial fishing license is not affected or altered in any way by the addition of a direct retail endorsement. These costs include the base cost of the license and any revenue and excise taxes.

     (3) An individual need only add one direct retail endorsement to his or her license portfolio. If a direct retail endorsement is selected by an individual holding more than one commercial fishing license issued under this chapter, a single direct retail endorsement is considered to be added to all qualifying commercial fishing licenses held by that individual, and is the only license required for the individual to sell at retail any retail-eligible species permitted by all of the underlying endorsed licenses. The direct retail endorsement applies only to the person named on the endorsed license, and may not be used by an alternate operator named on the endorsed license.

     (4) In addition to any fees charged for the endorsed licenses and harvest documentation as required by this chapter or the rules of the department, the department may set a reasonable annual fee not to exceed the administrative costs to the department for a direct retail endorsement.

     (5) The holder of a direct retail endorsement is responsible for documenting the commercial harvest of salmon and crab according to the provisions of this chapter, the rules of the department for a wholesale fish dealer, and the reporting requirements of the endorsed license. Any retail-eligible species caught by the holder of a direct retail endorsement must be documented on fish tickets.

     (6) The direct retail endorsement must be displayed in a readily visible manner by the seller wherever and whenever a sale to someone other than a licensed wholesale dealer occurs. The commission may require that the holder of a direct retail endorsement notify the department up to eighteen hours before conducting an in-person sale of retail-eligible species, except for in-person sales that have a cumulative retail sales value of less than one hundred fifty dollars in a twenty-four hour period that are sold directly from the vessel. For sales occurring in a venue other than in person, such as over the internet, through a catalog, or on the phone, the direct retail endorsement number of the seller must be provided to the buyer both at the time of sale and the time of delivery. All internet sales must be conducted in accordance with federal laws and regulations.

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

     (8) The holder of a direct retail endorsement must abide by the provisions of Title 69 RCW as they apply to the processing and retail sale of seafood. The department must distribute a pamphlet, provided by the department of agriculture, with the direct retail endorsement generally describing the labeling requirements set forth in chapter 69.04 RCW as they apply to seafood.

     (9) The holder of a qualifying commercial fishing license issued under this chapter must either possess a direct retail endorsement or a wholesale dealer license provided for in RCW 77.65.280 in order to lawfully sell their catch or harvest in the state to anyone other than a licensed wholesale dealer.

     (10) The direct retail endorsement entitles the holder to sell a retail-eligible species only at a temporary food service establishment as that term is defined in RCW 69.06.045, or directly to a restaurant or other similar food service business.

[2003 c 387 § 2; 2002 c 301 § 2.]

NOTES:

     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.]