Chapter 508 — Licenses and Permits

508.005 [Repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

GENERAL PROVISIONS

508.006 Definitions

The definitions prescribed by ORS 506.001 to 506.025 apply to this chapter.

508.010 [Repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.011 Activities relating to oysters exempted

This chapter does not apply to oysters or to any activity of any person relating to oysters.

508.015 [Amended by 1963 c.246 §3; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.020 [Amended by 1953 c.656 §6; 1961 c.374 §1; repealed by 1963 c.246 §4 (508.021 enacted in lieu of 508.020)]

508.021 [1963 c.246 §5 (enacted in lieu of 508.020); repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

WHEN LICENSE REQUIRED

508.025 License required to take, process or deal in fish

It is unlawful for any person, without first procuring a license from the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, to: Take food fish in any of the waters of this state for commercial purposes or land food fish in this state for commercial purposes. Buy, sell or otherwise deal in food fish for commercial purposes. Process or can food fish for commercial purpos…

508.030 License required for fishing gear

It is unlawful for any individual to operate, or leave in a condition to take food fish in any of the waters of this state, any fishing gear used in taking food fish, without first obtaining from the State Fish and Wildlife Director or the authorized agent of the director such license as may be prescribed by this chapter. The license must be in the possessio…

508.035 Separate licenses required for certain fishing gear and activities

Separate licenses are required for each: Person other than an employee operating as a canner of food fish. Person other than an employee operating as a wholesale fish dealer, for each separate place of business. Individual acting or engaged as a fish buyer by a person licensed under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection. Person licensed under paragraph…

508.040 Unlawful to knowingly buy or receive fish from unlicensed person

It is unlawful for a wholesaler, canner or buyer to buy or receive food fish from a person who the wholesaler, canner or buyer does not have reasonable cause to believe is licensed as required under ORS 508.035, unless such person is exempt from the requirements of ORS 508.035.

508.045 Exemption of retail fish dealers

Notwithstanding ORS 508.025 and 508.035, no license is required to handle or deal in food fish and shellfish for human consumption as a retail fish dealer.

508.105 [Amended by 1955 c.176 §1; 1963 c.246 §6; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

PERMITS AND SPECIAL LICENSES

508.106 Permit to take carp or other nongame fish; fee

Upon receiving a written application therefor, accompanied by a fee of $30, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission may issue to any person a permit to take carp or other nongame fish. The kind or kinds of fish, the method to be used and the name and location of the body of water from which the fish are to be taken, shall be specified in the permit. After h…

508.110 [Amended by 1963 c.246 §7; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.111 Permit to take food fish for educational and scientific purposes

The State Fish and Wildlife Director may issue to any person a permit to take food fish solely for educational and scientific purposes.

508.115 [Repealed by 1961 c.156 §1]

508.116 Permit to take animals living intertidally on bottom; fees

The State Fish and Wildlife Director may issue to any person a permit to take animals living intertidally on the bottom. The annual fee for a resident permit issued under this section is $140. The annual fee for a nonresident permit issued under this section is $196. It is unlawful to take animals living intertidally on the bottom for commercial purposes …

508.120 [Amended by 1963 c.246 §8; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.121 Juvenile jig line license

Any juvenile may secure from the State Fish and Wildlife Commission free of charge a juvenile jig line license to take herring, pilchard, perch, anchovies and candlefish by a hand or jig line and to sell such fish so taken by the juvenile to a wholesale fish dealer or a fish bait dealer. As used in this section, “juvenile” means any individual 17 years of a…

508.124 Northern pikeminnow fishing derby license; rules

An organizer of a fishing derby may apply for and obtain from the State Fish and Wildlife Commission a fishing derby license to take northern pikeminnow and to sell, for charitable fund-raising purposes, northern pikeminnow taken during the duration of the derby. A fee may not be charged for the license. Upon receipt of an application for a fishing derby li…

508.125 [Amended by 1963 c.246 §9; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.130 [Amended by 1959 c.128 §1; repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.135 [Amended by 1963 c.246 §10; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.140 [Repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.145 [Repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.147 [1955 c.238 §2; repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.150 [Repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.152 [1955 c.238 §3; repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.155 [Amended by 1953 c.656 §6; repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.160 [Amended by 1955 c.167 §1; repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.165 [Repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.170 [Repealed by 1963 c.246 §12]

508.175 [Repealed by 1963 c.224 §7]

508.180 [Amended by 1953 c.656 §6; 1959 c.401 §1; 1961 c.374 §2; 1963 c.224 §1; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.185 [Repealed by 1963 c.224 §7]

508.190 [Amended by 1963 c.224 §2; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.195 [Amended by 1953 c.656 §6; repealed by 1961 c.374 §4]

508.200 [Amended by 1963 c.224 §3; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.205 [Repealed by 1963 c.224 §7]

508.210 [Repealed by 1963 c.224 §7]

508.215 [Amended by 1963 c.224 §4; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.220 [Amended by 1955 c.177 §1; repealed by 1963 c.224 §7]

508.223 [1963 c.246 §2; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.225 [Amended by 1955 c.279 §1; 1957 c.134 §1; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.230 [Amended by 1963 c.224 §5; 1965 c.570 §83; renumbered 508.290]

LICENSES AND REGULATION OF LICENSEES

508.235 Commercial fishing license; fees

A commercial fishing license must be obtained by each individual who, for commercial purposes: Takes or assists in the taking of any food fish from the waters or land of this state; Operates or assists in the operation of any boat or fishing gear for the taking of food fish in the waters of this state; or Lands food fish from the waters of the Pacific Oce…

508.240 Acts by commercial fishing licensee prohibited

It is unlawful for any person licensed to take food fish for commercial purposes, as required under ORS 508.035, to: Keep any food fish the person takes under such license for personal use; or Sell any food fish the person takes under such license to other than a wholesaler, canner, fish bait dealer or buyer licensed as required under ORS 508.035.

508.245 [1965 c.570 §78; repealed by 1973 c.768 §20]

508.246 [1977 c.245 §2; repealed by 1979 c.679 §13]

508.250 [1965 c.570 §79; repealed by 1973 c.768 §20]

508.255 [1965 c.570 §80; repealed by 1973 c.768 §20]

508.257 [1969 c.172 §7; repealed by 1973 c.768 §20]

508.260 Boat license; plates; decals; rules

A boat license must be obtained by the owner or operator of any boat used in taking food fish or shellfish for commercial purposes except for the taking of clams or crayfish. A pair of decals bearing the last two numbers of the year for which the license is issued shall be included with the license for placement on the licensed boat. In accordance with rul…

508.265 Boat licensing constitutes registration for purposes of federal laws

The licensing of any boat pursuant to this chapter to take food fish for commercial purposes from the waters of this state or land food fish from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at any point in this state shall constitute registration of such vessel under the laws of this state for the purposes of section 306(a) of the Fishery Conservation and Management Act…

508.270 Fishing, boat license fees in lieu of other taxes and licenses on crab pots; reports to county assessor

Either the commercial fishing license required by ORS 508.235 or the boat license required by ORS 508.260 is in lieu of all taxes and licenses on crab pots used by a person so licensed or used in connection with a boat so licensed. Crab pots shall be reported to the county assessor by each owner and listed for ad valorem taxation, but if the owner of such c…

508.285 License fees

The fee for each license required by this chapter is as follows: Resident boat license for a vessel less than 50 feet in length, $392. Nonresident boat license for a vessel less than 50 feet in length, $448. Resident boat license for a vessel 50 feet in length or more, $448. Nonresident boat license for a vessel 50 feet in length or more, $504. Resident…

508.288 Commercial fishing permit surcharges

In addition to the fees otherwise prescribed by law, the issuer of each of the following permits shall charge and collect the following surcharges each time the permit is issued: Ocean Troll Salmon Fishery permit issued under ORS 508.816, $65. Columbia River Gillnet Fishery permit issued under ORS 508.790, $74.

508.290 [Formerly 508.230; 1967 c.322 §2; repealed by 1975 c.130 §2 and 1975 c.253 §40]

508.300 Albacore tuna landing license in lieu of other licenses

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the only license required for landing albacore tuna from the waters of the Pacific Ocean at any point in this state is an albacore tuna landing license.

508.305 [Amended by 1957 s.s. c.9 §1; 1963 c.197 §1; 1965 c.310 §1; renumbered 508.505]

508.306 Fish bait dealer license; authority of commission to designate fish or shellfish bait

Any person may obtain a fish bait dealer license to purchase food fish directly from a commercial fisherman licensed under ORS 508.235 or commercial bait fisherman licensed under ORS 508.312, for retail sale as fish or shellfish bait. The State Fish and Wildlife Commission by regulation may designate those species of food fish or parts thereof which may not…

508.310 [Amended by 1965 c.570 §86; renumbered 508.515]

508.312 Commercial bait fishing license; license in lieu of commercial fishing and boat licenses

Any individual may obtain a commercial bait fishing license to take food fish for sale to a fish bait dealer licensed under ORS 508.306. The license for the purpose authorized in this section is in lieu of the commercial fishing and boat licenses required under ORS 508.235 and 508.260.

508.315 [Repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.316 Disqualification from receiving more than one single delivery license

Except as provided in ORS 508.843 and 508.883, the State Fish and Wildlife Director shall not issue a boat more than one single delivery license under ORS 508.285 during a 12-month period as established by rule of the director. For purposes of this section, the disqualification from receiving additional single delivery licenses shall apply to a boat without …

508.320 [Amended by 1963 c.197 §2; 1965 c.310 §2; renumbered 508.510]

508.325 [Renumbered 508.520]

508.326 Commercial Fisheries Fund; uses

The Commercial Fisheries Fund is created in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Except as provided in ORS 506.690, all moneys in the Commercial Fisheries Fund are appropriated continuously to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission for the administration and enforcement of the commercial fishing laws and for the management, propag…

508.330 [Renumbered 508.525]

508.335 [Amended by 1965 c.570 §87; renumbered 508.530]

508.340 [Amended by 1961 c.373 §1; 1963 c.197 §3; 1965 c.570 §88; renumbered 508.535]

508.345 [Amended by 1961 c.373 §2; 1965 c.570 §89; renumbered 508.540]

508.350 [Renumbered 508.545]

508.355 [Repealed by 1963 c.197 §4]

508.360 [Repealed by 1963 c.197 §4]

508.405 [Amended by 1963 c.196 §1; repealed by 1965 c.570 §65 (508.406 enacted in lieu of 508.405)]

ISSUANCE, APPLICATION, CONTENTS, WHERE VALID, TRANSFERRING, TERM, LOCATION ABANDONMENT

508.406 Director or agent to issue and renew licenses

The State Fish and Wildlife Director or the authorized agent of the director shall issue or renew any license required by the commercial fishing laws to a qualified person upon proper application and payment of the license fee required by ORS 508.285.

508.407 [Repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.410 Contents of license applications

All applications for licenses under ORS 508.406 shall be made on blanks furnished by the State Fish and Wildlife Director and shall contain such information as the State Fish and Wildlife Commission determines to be necessary for proper administration and enforcement of the commercial fishing laws.

508.413 [1963 c.246 §1; repealed by 1965 c.67 §4]

508.415 Security for fees

In case of license applications by canners or wholesalers, the State Fish and Wildlife Director, in addition to license fees provided by law, may exact from the applicant a bond from a corporate surety, authorized to do business in this state, guaranteeing the payment of fees, if the director considers such action is necessary to insure compliance with ORS 5…

508.420 [Amended by 1955 c.168 §1; 1963 c.196 §4; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.425 [Amended by 1961 c.168 §1; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.430 [Amended by 1963 c.196 §5; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.435 [Amended by 1961 c.181 §1; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.440 [Repealed by 1961 c.233 §1]

508.445 Certificate evidence as to license issuance

In all prosecutions requiring proof as to the issuance or nonissuance of a license by the State Fish and Wildlife Director under any of the laws of this state, the certificate of the director as to the issuance or nonissuance of the license by the director shall be sufficient proof on that question to establish the fact. This certificate shall be admitted in…

508.450 Contents of license

Each license issued under ORS 508.406 shall be numbered and dated by the State Fish and Wildlife Director or an authorized agent and contain the site or address where the appliance or business is located and the name of the person to whom the license is granted.

508.455 [Amended by 1955 c.122 §1; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

508.460 Oregon-Washington reciprocity on gillnet licenses

All gillnet licenses issued by the States of Oregon and Washington are valid as to the waters of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, as though issued by the department of fisheries of either state. The department of fisheries of each state or the officials who have charge of issuing licenses shall furnish to each other the names of licensees and the…

508.465 Licenses nontransferable

Licenses may not be transferred from one licensee to another.

508.470 When licenses expire; renewal

All licenses for which fees are provided for under ORS 508.285 unless otherwise specified in law expire as of midnight, December 31, following the dates of their issuance or on such date as may be specified by rule of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The licenses may be renewed annually thereafter upon application and payment of fees required there…

508.475 Failure to renew license for fixed fishing gear constitutes abandonment; exception for Armed Forces

The failure to renew the license, or make application therefor, for any location for a fixed fishing gear in any of the waters of this state, on January 1 of any year, constitutes abandonment of the location. However, any licensee entering the Armed Forces of the United States during any period which would qualify the licensee as a veteran, as defined in ORS…

508.480 Failure to construct or install fishing gear held to be abandonment

Should the holder of any license neglect to construct or install at the site the fishing gear called for by the license during two consecutive years covered by the license, the location shall be deemed abandoned.

508.485 Revocation of license or permit for violation of commercial fishing laws or rules or theft of crab fishing gear

Except for vessel licenses described in ORS 508.285 and 508.470 and vessel permits described in ORS 508.775 to 508.796, 508.801 to 508.825, 508.880, 508.883, 508.889 to 508.910 and 508.926, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission may, in its discretion, revoke for the remainder of the license or permit year any license or permit issued to a person under the a…

508.490 Refusal to issue license or permit pursuant to commercial fishing laws within two years after revocation

Except for vessel licenses described in ORS 508.260, 508.285 and 508.470 and vessel permits described in ORS 508.775 to 508.796, 508.801 to 508.825, 508.880, 508.883, 508.889 to 508.910 and 508.926, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission may, in its discretion, refuse the issuance of any license or permit issued under the authority of the commission, or the …

508.495 Certificate in lieu of lost or destroyed license; fee

Upon the receipt of a fee of $16.50 and the filing of an affidavit that a license issued under authority of ORS 508.406 has been lost or destroyed, the State Fish and Wildlife Director or the authorized agent of the director shall issue a certificate that such license has been issued and has been lost or destroyed. Except as provided in ORS 508.260, the cert…

508.500 Alteration, false application and multiple possession of licenses prohibited

No person shall: Alter, borrow or loan to any other person any license or permit issued by the department. In applying for a license or permit issued by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife knowingly make any false statement of any information required by the application regarding the person in whose name the license or permit is to be issued. Posses…

508.502 Seller operation of vessel pending proceeding against buyer; rules

In a circuit court proceeding concerning a claim by a seller of a vessel permit transferable under ORS 508.760, 508.793, 508.864, 508.907, 508.936 or 508.957 that the buyer of the vessel permit has failed to fulfill one or more terms of the sale, the seller may petition the circuit court for a preliminary injunction requiring the State Department of Fish and…

508.505 Additional fees based on value of fish at time of landing; exceptions

Additional fees shall be collected by the State Fish and Wildlife Director in the amount prescribed by this section, except as provided in ORS 508.510. Every person operating within the state as a canner, buyer, bait dealer or wholesaler of any food fish or shellfish shall pay, in addition to all other licenses or fees provided by law, a fee equal to the val…

508.506 Additional payments on certain fish species

In addition to the ad valorem fee prescribed by law, there shall be paid for each fish species referred to in ORS 508.505 (1)(a), an additional fee of four cents per pound. The ad valorem fee referred to in this section is subject to ORS 508.505 to 508.540. [1989 c.512 §8; 1991 c.184 §3; 1997 c.8 §11; 2003 c.643 §3; 2009 c.765 §4; 2015 c.734 §5; 2019 c.458 §…

508.507 [1971 c.540 §10; repealed by 1991 c.701 §3]

508.510 Place where fish caught is immaterial; exceptions; special fee

The fee provided for in ORS 508.505 shall be paid irrespective of where the fish were caught. However, the fees shall not be paid on any food fish or shellfish brought into this state after having been landed: In another state, territory or possession of the United States, and upon or in regard to which a tax or fee has been levied and collected in the othe…

508.515 Time of paying fees; report; interest on overdue fees; waiver or extension of payment

The fee required by ORS 508.505 shall be paid to the State Fish and Wildlife Director on or before the 20th day of each calendar month for the preceding calendar month. The fee shall be accompanied by a report showing the total number of pounds of all varieties of food fish, stated separately upon blanks furnished by the director, and the value at the point…

508.520 Determination of disputes

It is the intention that only one fee based on the value of the fish at the point of landing shall be collected for each fish purchased or received, and in order that this end may be accomplished the State Fish and Wildlife Commission and the State Fish and Wildlife Director may determine finally any dispute arising out of the operation and enforcement of OR…

508.525 Lien for unpaid fee; foreclosure; jurisdiction of courts

The fee required by ORS 508.505 constitutes a first lien upon the cannery, packing plant, scow, boat and its equipment used in the canning, receiving or transporting of the fish. This lien may be foreclosed by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission in the name of the state by a suit in equity in the circuit court of the county in which the property upon whic…

508.530 Rules; reports; violation or falsification

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may make such rules and require such reports to be made as, in its judgment, are necessary to insure the collection and payment of the fee required by ORS 508.505. It is unlawful for any person to falsify any of the reports or to violate any of the rules made or required by the commission.

508.535 Keeping record of food fish received and bought; inspection

Every fish canner, fish buyer, retail fish dealer, fish bait dealer or wholesale fish dealer shall keep a record, of all food fish received and bought, in accordance with rules promulgated by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. Such information may be required as is necessary to enable the commission to carry out its duties of conservation, protection, a…

508.540 Failure to keep or submit records or to pay fee

In addition to the penalty prescribed by ORS 506.991, the State Fish and Wildlife Director, under the authority of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, may suspend or revoke any license for which a fee is required under ORS 508.285 if the person holding the license fails to keep the record required by ORS 508.535 or fails to submit the books, records, pap…

508.545 [Formerly 508.350; repealed by 1973 c.794 §34]

508.550 Sale of fish from license holder’s boat; permit; fee; reports; payment of fees

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a person who holds a valid Oregon commercial fishing license may sell any species of food fish taken in lawful commercial fishing activity directly from the license holder’s boat, subject to the following conditions: The person must first obtain from the State Fish and Wildlife Commission an annual limite…

508.605 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.610 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.615 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.620 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.625 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.630 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.635 [Amended by 1957 c.462 §1; repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.640 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.645 [Amended by 1957 c.462 §2; repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.650 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

508.655 [Repealed by 1961 c.232 §1]

SALMON HATCHERY PERMITS

508.700 Permits for salmon hatcheries; fees

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may issue a permit, subject to such restrictions and regulations as the commission deems desirable, to any person to construct and operate a hatchery for: Chinook salmon, also known as Oncorhynchus tshawytscha; or Chum salmon, also known as Oncorhynchus keta or dog salmon; or Silver salmon, also known as Oncorhynchus…

508.705 Hearing for permits

Prior to issuance of any permit by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, a public hearing shall be held. Notice of the hearing shall be published at least once and at least 10 days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in each of the counties in which the hearing is to be held, or if no such newspaper is published in that county or cou…

508.710 Grounds for denial of permit

No permit shall be issued: Which may tend to deplete any natural run of anadromous fish or any population of resident game fish. Which may result in waste or deterioration of fish. If the proposed operation is to be located on the same stream or river or tributary thereof on which a state or federal fish culture facility is established or is planned to be…

508.715 Conditions of permits

Any permit granted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission pursuant to ORS 508.700 to 508.745 shall contain at least the following conditions: All propagated fish released into state waters shall be marked annually at no less than the level of marking of the same species of fish by hatcheries operated by the commission for the purpose of determining contr…

508.718 Program for protecting natural runs and genetic diversity of anadromous fish stocks; rules; findings

The Legislative Assembly finds that protecting the natural runs and genetic diversity of anadromous fish is essential to the long-term health of Oregon’s natural resources and sport and commercial fisheries. Not later than January 1, 1990, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall: Develop and implement monitoring programs, consistent with ORS 508.71…

508.720 Altering terms of permits; findings; hearing; restoration of fish population

If the State Fish and Wildlife Commission finds that the operation described in the permit is not in the best public interest, it shall alter the conditions of the permit to mitigate such adverse effects or may cause an orderly termination of the operation under the permit. Proceedings to cause such alteration or termination shall be conducted in accordance …

508.725 Released fish as state property; consideration by commission of adverse economic impact on hatcheries

All fish released under ORS 508.700 to 508.745 during the time they are in the wild will be the property of the state and may be taken under angling or commercial fishing laws of this state until they return to the private hatchery. In carrying out the provisions of ORS 496.162 or 506.129, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall not consider evidence o…

508.730 Disposal of salmon products

After first ensuring that all natural and artificial fish production needs of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife have been met, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission may provide at a reasonable fee chum salmon, chinook salmon, silver salmon or pink salmon, or the sexual products therefrom, for the needs of any person granted a permit by the commissio…

508.735 Application of chapter to taking and sale of salmon

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the taking and sale of chum salmon, chinook salmon, silver salmon or pink salmon artificially reared under any permit granted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission pursuant to ORS 508.700 to 508.745.

508.737 Policy for marketing of salmon products

It is the policy of the State of Oregon that all holders of permits issued pursuant to ORS 508.700 to 508.745 are encouraged to market salmon products obtained pursuant to permit activities in such manner as to promote the development and growth of locally based industries and to provide the maximum benefit to the economy of this state.

508.740 Authority under ORS 508.700 to 508.745

Nothing in ORS 508.700 to 508.745 is intended to give the permittee any equity in any of the waters or fish of the state. Nothing in ORS 508.700 to 508.745 shall imply an intent to permit commercial fishing in any rivers south of the mouth of the Columbia River except as provided in ORS 508.715 (5).

508.745 Disposition of moneys received under ORS 508.700 to 508.745

All moneys received by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission under ORS 508.700 to 508.745 except those under ORS 508.735 shall be paid over to the State Treasurer to be held in a suspense account established under ORS 293.445. After the payment of costs of administration incurred by the commission in carrying out the provisions of ORS 508.700 to 508.745, th…

508.755 Membership; duties; meetings; expenses

There is established within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife the Commercial Fishery Permit Board. The board shall consist of members appointed by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission as follows: Three members shall be chosen to represent the Columbia River gillnet salmon fishing industry. Three members shall be chosen to represent the ocean trol…

508.760 Sea urchin limited participation; terms; conditions; fees; rules

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, in order to provide a sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, S. purpuratus and S. droebachiensis) commercial fishery with optimum profits to those engaged in the fishery and to prevent a concentration of fishing effort that would deplete the resource, the State Fish and Wildlife Commis…

508.762 Review of denial of sea urchin permit renewal or transfer; fee; rules

A person whose application for renewal or transfer of a permit established pursuant to ORS 508.760 is denied may make written request to the Commercial Fishery Permit Board for review of the denial. The review provided in this subsection is in lieu of any such review by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. The …

508.765 Roe-herring limited participation; terms; conditions; fees; rules

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, in order to provide a roe-herring commercial fishery with optimum profits to those engaged in the fishery and to prevent a concentration of fishing effort that would deplete the resource, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, by rule, shall establish a system for limiting participation in …

508.775 Vessel permit required to engage in fishery; purchase of fish by dealer from individual without permit prohibited

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for an individual to operate a vessel in the Columbia River gillnet salmon fishery without first obtaining a vessel permit issued pursuant to ORS 508.775 to 508.796. However, an individual who holds valid commercial fishing licenses and vessel permits required by and issued pu…

508.778 Prohibition on issuance of new permits

On or after March 27, 2024, new vessel permits may not be issued.

508.781 Renewal of permit; rules

An individual who obtained the permit required by ORS 508.775 for a particular calendar year is eligible to obtain renewal of the permit in a subsequent calendar year, upon application and payment of the fees therefor by December 31 of the permit year or by such date as may be specified by rule of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

508.784 Considerations in determining eligibility for permit

In making determinations regarding renewal of the permits required by ORS 508.775, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Commercial Fishery Permit Board may consider as evidence of permit qualifications or requirements department records and such receipts, accounts, contracts and other business records of private parties as the department or the …

508.787 Permit revocation procedure

The Commercial Fishery Permit Board may revoke and refuse subsequent issuance of a permit required by ORS 508.775 in the manner provided in ORS 508.485 (1) and 508.490.

508.790 Fee; application form

The annual fee for the vessel permit required by ORS 508.775 is: $140 for resident applicants. $196 for nonresident applicants. Applications shall be in such form and contain such information as the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, by rule, may prescribe. Note 1: The amendments to 508.790 by section 53, chapter 564, Oregon Laws 2025, become operati…

508.792 [1989 c.940 §5b; 1995 c.602 §7; repealed by 2024 c.48 §1]

508.793 Permit transfer restrictions; fee

The vessel permit required by ORS 508.775 is transferable: To a replacement vessel of the permit holder. To the purchaser of the vessel when the vessel is sold. Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, upon request of a permit holder, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife may authorize transfer of a permit to a replacement vessel owned by an in…

508.796 Review of permit denial; fee; rules; limitation on transfer of certain permits

An individual whose application for renewal of the permit required by ORS 508.775 is denied by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife may make written request to the Commercial Fishery Permit Board for review of the denial. The review provided in this subsection is in lieu of any such review by the department or the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. The…

508.800 [1983 c.419 §2; renumbered 508.765 in 1987]

(Ocean Troll Salmon Fishery)

508.801 Vessel permit required to engage in fishery; purchase of fish by dealer from individual without permit prohibited

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for an individual to operate a vessel in the ocean troll salmon fishery without first obtaining a vessel permit issued pursuant to ORS 508.801 to 508.825. Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for a wholesaler, canner or buyer to b…

508.804 Prohibition on issuance of permits

No new vessel permits shall be issued in the ocean troll salmon fishery after March 5, 2012.

508.807 Renewal of permit; replacement vessel; rules

An individual who obtained the permit required by ORS 508.801 for a particular calendar year is eligible to obtain renewal of the permit in a subsequent calendar year upon obtaining the annual boat license referred to in ORS 508.285. The permit must be renewed, and the boat license obtained, not later than December 31 of each year or such date as may be esta…

508.808 Special renewal and fee provisions

In order to be able to renew the vessel permit in any subsequent year, an individual is not required to renew the boat license as provided in ORS 508.807 if: In the year prior to renewal there was not an ocean troll salmon season of more than 20 consecutive days between May 1 and July 31 in the Pacific Fisheries Management Council management area adjacent t…

508.810 Considerations in determining eligibility for permit

In making determinations regarding renewal of the permits required by ORS 508.801, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Commercial Fishery Permit Board may consider as evidence of permit qualifications or requirements department records and such receipts, accounts, contracts and other business records of private parties as the department or the …

508.813 Permit revocation procedure

The Commercial Fishery Permit Board may revoke and refuse subsequent issuance of a permit required by ORS 508.801 in the manner provided in ORS 508.485 (1) and 508.490.

508.816 Fee; application form; rules

The annual fee for the vessel permit required by ORS 508.801 is: $140 for resident applicants. $196 for nonresident applicants. Applications shall be in such form and contain such information as the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, by rule, may prescribe. Note 1: The amendments to 508.816 by section 61, chapter 564, Oregon Laws 2025, become operati…

508.819 Permits transferred to federal government

The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall consider a permit transferred to, purchased by or otherwise held by the federal government as a permit renewed under ORS 508.807.

508.822 Permit transfer restrictions; fee

The vessel permit required by ORS 508.801 is transferable: To a replacement vessel of the permit holder. To the purchaser of the vessel when the vessel is sold. Upon request of a permit holder, to a replacement vessel owned by an individual other than the permit holder if authorized by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. However, any transfer of a …

508.825 Review of permit denial; rules; fee

An individual whose application for renewal or transfer of the permit required by ORS 508.801 is denied by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife may make written request to the Commercial Fishery Permit Board for review of the denial. The review provided in this subsection is in lieu of any such review by the department or the State Fish and Wildlife Com…

508.828 Single delivery license in lieu of vessel permit

Notwithstanding ORS 508.801 to 508.825, 508.880, 508.883 and 508.889 to 508.910, subject to ORS 508.316, a vessel not having a permit may in an emergency and with the approval of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife land salmon by purchase of a single delivery license. (Ocean Scallop Fishery)

508.840 Vessel permit required to engage in fishery; purchase of scallops by dealer from individual without permit prohibited

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for an individual to operate a vessel in the ocean scallop fishery without first obtaining a vessel permit issued pursuant to ORS 508.840 to 508.867. Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for a wholesaler, canner or buyer to buy or…

508.843 Use of single delivery license in lieu of permit; reciprocity of law

Notwithstanding ORS 508.840, an individual who holds a valid scallop fishing permit required by or issued pursuant to the laws of the states of Washington or California may land scallops in this state that were taken in the ocean fishery without the permit required by ORS 508.840 if the vessel possesses a single delivery license referred to in ORS 508.285. …

508.846 Issuance of permits restricted

Except as provided in ORS 508.861, no new vessel permits shall be issued.

508.849 Renewal of permit

An individual who obtained the permit required by ORS 508.840 for calendar year 1981 is eligible to obtain renewal of the permit in a subsequent calendar year, upon application by December 31 of the permit year and payment of the fees therefor, if during the preceding calendar year the vessel for which permit renewal application is made was used in the ocean…

508.852 Considerations in determining eligibility for permit

In making determinations regarding renewal of the permits required by ORS 508.840, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Commercial Fishery Permit Board may consider as evidence of permit qualifications or requirements department records and such receipts, accounts, contracts and other business records of private parties as the department or the …

508.855 Permit revocation procedure

The Commercial Fishery Permit Board may revoke and refuse subsequent issuance of a permit required by ORS 508.840 in the manner provided in ORS 508.485 (1) and 508.490.

508.858 Fee

The annual fee for the vessel permit required by ORS 508.840 is: $140 for resident applicants. $196 for nonresident applicants. Note 1: The amendments to 508.858 by section 69, chapter 564, Oregon Laws 2025, become operative January 1, 2028. See section 70, chapter 564, Oregon Laws 2025. The text that is operative from January 1, 2028, until January 1, 20…

508.861 Lottery system for permit issuance; rules

The State Department of Fish and Wildlife may establish by rule a lottery system for issuing permits to vessels that do not meet the requirements of ORS 508.849. The department, by rule, shall determine the number of permits and the criteria for issuance.

508.864 Permit transfer restrictions; fee

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an ocean scallop vessel permit issued pursuant to ORS 508.840 to 508.867 may not be transferred to another vessel: Until the vessel for which the permit was issued has been used in the ocean scallop fishery for three or more calendar years to land at least 5,000 pounds of food fish annually. More than once in any…

508.867 Review of permit denial; fee; rules

Notwithstanding ORS 508.755 (6)(b) and (c), an individual whose application for renewal of the permit required by ORS 508.840 is denied by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife may make written request to the Commercial Fishery Permit Board for review of the denial. The review provided in this subsection is in lieu of any such review by the department or…

508.880 Vessel permit required to engage in fishery; purchase of shrimp by dealers from individual without permit prohibited

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for an individual to operate a vessel in the ocean pink shrimp fishery without first obtaining a vessel permit issued pursuant to ORS 508.880, 508.883 and 508.889 to 508.910. Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for a wholesaler, …

508.883 Use of single delivery license in lieu of vessel permit; reciprocity of law

Notwithstanding ORS 508.880, an individual who holds valid commercial fishing permits required by or issued pursuant to the laws of the states of Washington or California to take pink shrimp may land pink shrimp in this state that were taken in the ocean pink shrimp fishery without the permit required by ORS 508.880 if the vessel possesses a single delivery …

508.886 Limitation on number of permits; eligibility

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, until the number of vessel permits required by ORS 508.880 reaches 235: For calendar year 1987, those persons who delivered pink shrimp by use of a single delivery license referred to in ORS 508.285 during calendar year 1986 are eligible to obtain a permit. For calendar year 1988, those persons who deliver pink s…

508.889 Issuance of permits limited

Except as provided in ORS 508.904, no new vessel permits shall be issued.

508.892 Renewal of permit; rules

An individual who obtained the permit required by ORS 508.880 for a particular calendar year is eligible to obtain renewal of the permit in a subsequent calendar year upon application and payment of the fees therefor and upon obtaining the annual boat license referred to in ORS 508.285. The permit must be applied for, and the boat license obtained, not later…

508.895 Considerations in determining eligibility for permit

In making determinations regarding renewal of the permits required by ORS 508.880, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Commercial Fishery Permit Board may consider as evidence of permit qualifications or requirements department records and such receipts, accounts, contracts and other business records of private parties as the department or the …

508.898 Permit revocation procedure

The Commercial Fishery Permit Board may revoke and refuse subsequent issuance of a permit required by ORS 508.880 in the manner provided in ORS 508.485 (1) and 508.490.

508.901 Fee; application form; rules

The annual fee for the vessel permit required by ORS 508.880 is: $224 for resident applicants. $280 for nonresident applicants. Applications shall be in such form and contain such information as the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, by rule, may prescribe. Note 1: The amendments to 508.901 by section 77, chapter 564, Oregon Laws 2025, become operati…

508.904 Lottery system for permit issuance

Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, if the number of permits renewed under ORS 508.892 falls below 150, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall issue permits by lottery systems for vessels that do not meet such requirements, first among those individuals who landed pink shrimp pursuant to a single delivery license referred to in ORS…

508.907 Permit transfer restrictions; fee

The vessel permit required by ORS 508.880 is transferable: To a replacement vessel of the permit holder. A replacement is any vessel that is purchased for any reason to replace a vessel previously owned by and licensed to the permit holder; To the purchaser of the vessel when the vessel is sold; or To a replacement vessel owned by an individual other than…

508.908 Limits on authority of Commercial Fishery Permit Board to prohibit transfer of valid pink shrimp vessel permits

The Commercial Fishery Permit Board may not prohibit the transfer under ORS 508.907 of a valid ocean pink shrimp vessel permit on the basis that: The vessel for which the permit was issued did not participate in the ocean pink shrimp fishery for three or more preceding consecutive years to annually land at least 5,000 pounds of shrimp in Oregon, California …

508.910 Review of permit denial; fee; rules; limitation on transfer of certain permits

An individual whose application for renewal of the permit required by ORS 508.880 is denied by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife may make written request to the Commercial Fishery Permit Board for review of the denial. The review provided in this subsection is in lieu of any such review by the department or the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. The…

508.913 Issuance of permits for vessels engaged in groundfish fishery; permit transfer restriction

The Commercial Fishery Permit Board is authorized to receive applications and issue ocean pink shrimp vessel permits for 1982 to trawl vessel owners for those vessels that did not qualify for or receive an ocean pink shrimp permit in 1980, if the board finds that the vessel has been actively engaged in Oregon’s groundfish fishing since January 1, 1974, or en…

508.915 Negotiations to establish reciprocal agreements pertaining to pink shrimp

The State Fish and Wildlife Director shall work with the appropriate authorities in the states of California and Washington to negotiate reciprocal agreements that would allow vessels registered under the laws of those states to land pink shrimp in Oregon to the same extent that vessels registered in Oregon may land pink shrimp in California or Washington. …

508.920 [1979 c.613 §10; 1983 c.419 §3; 1987 c.374 §3; 1995 c.484 §8; renumbered 508.755 in 1995]

(Ocean Dungeness Crab Fishery)

508.921 Findings; rules

The Legislative Assembly finds that the Oregon ocean Dungeness crab fishery is overcapitalized. This overcapitalization has led to economic destabilization of the ocean Dungeness crab industry and the coastal communities relying on the crab harvest and can cause excessive harvesting pressure on Oregon’s ocean Dungeness crab resources. Since the state legisla…

508.926 Vessel permit required to engage in fishery; purchase of crab by dealer from individual without permit prohibited

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for an individual to operate a vessel in the ocean Dungeness crab fishery without first obtaining a vessel permit issued pursuant to ORS 508.931 or 508.941. Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws, it is unlawful for a wholesaler, canner or buyer to…

508.931 Eligibility for permit

The system established under ORS 508.921 shall provide initial eligibility for vessels to participate in the ocean Dungeness crab fishery seasons established by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, beginning on December 1, 1995, with a transferable ocean Dungeness crab permit only if: The vessel for which application is made was continuously licensed pur…

508.934 Permit revocation procedure

The Commercial Fishery Permit Board may revoke and refuse subsequent issuance of a vessel permit required by ORS 508.926 in the manner provided in ORS 508.485 (1) and 508.490. Note: 508.934 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 508 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Orego…

508.936 Permit transfer restrictions; rules; fee

The system established under ORS 508.921 shall include provisions to make the vessel ocean Dungeness crab permit required by ORS 508.926 transferable: To another vessel; or To the purchaser of the vessel when the vessel is sold. Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the vessel to which a permit is transferred may not be: More than 10 feet…

508.941 Review of eligibility determinations; reciprocity with other states; fee

The system established under ORS 508.921 shall include any other provisions for participation that the State Fish and Wildlife Commission considers appropriate. Any determination by the commission regarding the eligibility of a vessel to participate in the ocean Dungeness crab commercial fishery or to transfer participation rights is subject to review by th…

508.943 Requirements related to removal of crab pots; exemptions; permits for removal; rules

As used in this section, “crab fishing season” has the meaning given that term in ORS 508.931. A person may not leave a crab pot used as part of the ocean Dungeness crab fishery in the waters of this state more than 15 days after the closure of the crab fishing season. The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may issue permits to persons for the removal of c…

508.945 Vessel permit required; rules; purchase of black or blue rockfish or nearshore fish from individual without permit prohibited; exemptions

Notwithstanding any other provision of the commercial fishing laws and except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a person may not operate a vessel for: Landing black rockfish or blue rockfish in a fishery without a black rockfish and blue rockfish vessel permit issued under ORS 508.947; or Landing nearshore fish in a fishery without a black roc…

508.947 Eligibility for permit; renewal; rules

The State Department of Fish and Wildlife may issue a black rockfish and blue rockfish vessel permit to an owner of a vessel that landed a minimum of 750 pounds of nontrawl caught black rockfish, blue rockfish or nearshore fish in any one calendar year between January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2001, or in the six-month period between January 1, 2001, and July …

508.949 Fees; application form; rules

The annual fee for a black rockfish and blue rockfish vessel permit or a black rockfish and blue rockfish vessel permit with a nearshore fish endorsement issued under ORS 508.947 is: $140 for resident applicants. $196 for nonresident applicants. Applications for a permit shall be in such form and contain such information as the State Department of Fish an…

508.951 Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish and Nearshore Species Research Account; sources; uses

There is established a Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish and Nearshore Species Research Account in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest on moneys in the account shall be credited to the account. The account shall consist of moneys deposited into the account by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife from fees collected for…

508.953 Log book required; collection and report of data

An owner of a vessel that has a black rockfish and blue rockfish vessel permit or a black rockfish and blue rockfish vessel permit with a nearshore fish endorsement shall keep a log book that includes: The amount of food fish that are caught; The date on which the food fish are caught; The species of food fish that are caught by the vessel; and Any other…

508.955 Lottery system for permit issuance; rules

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may establish by rule a lottery for issuing permits to vessels under ORS 508.947. A vessel may qualify for the lottery if the vessel: Has a boat license issued pursuant to ORS 508.260 for the current year; and Had a boat license issued pursuant to ORS 508.260 for the previous year. Based on an assessment of the reso…

508.957 Permit transfer restrictions; fee

A black rockfish and blue rockfish vessel permit with a nearshore fish endorsement issued under ORS 508.947 may be transferred to another vessel if: The permit has been renewed a minimum of five times; and The vessel operating under the permit has made, in the previous calendar year, a minimum of five landings that contained at least 15 pounds of black roc…

508.960 Review of permit denial; fee; rules

A person whose application for issuance, renewal or transfer of a permit under ORS 508.947 is denied by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife may make written request to the Commercial Fishery Permit Board for review of the denial. The review provided in this subsection is in lieu of any such review by the department or the State Fish and Wildlife Commis…

508.980 Legislative findings and policy; Columbia River fish management and reform; adaptive management actions; rules

The Legislative Assembly finds that it is the policy of the State of Oregon that rules as a whole related to Columbia River fish management and reform that are adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission: Optimize overall economic benefits to this state; Enhance the economic viability of Oregon’s recreational and commercial fisheries and the communit…

508.990 [Amended by 1961 c.231 §1; repealed by 1965 c.570 §152]

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