There are deep, troubling issues with the Co-management North of Falcon process. We (Sportsmen) continue to suffer from the results of these closed door meetings, yet there is little main stream media coverage about the issue. CCA just published some insights into just how Sportsmen lose when we don’t have an opportunity to witness what WDFD/the Commissioners are agreeing to until it’s all done.

Here it what CCA has to say:

“In past years, it's been said that the North of Falcon (NOF) season setting process ended up "South of Expectations." Regrettably, the 2019 NOF process set a new mark for misery, as WDFW staff put sport anglers and mark-selective salmon seasons to the sword with draconian season reductions across Puget Sound. In total, Puget Sound fisheries will see a reduction of an entire year's worth of angling opportunity across its many marine zones!

Salmon fisheries in Puget Sound will see widespread closures this year under the plan adopted by WDFW and Puget Sound treaty tribes. The closures will affect summer and winter salmon fisheries and has no basis in the conservation of ESA-listed Chinook. The plan will have devastating impacts on sportfishing-dependent business across the state - marinas, boat dealers, tackle shops, manufacturers, outfitters, and others.

Under the plan, Puget Sound treaty tribes are expected to harvest at least 75% of the allowable Chinook harvest - far more than the 50-50 sharing mandated by the Boldt decision. As a result of the approved seasons, recreational anglers will lose significant access to hatchery-reared salmon.”

It’s time for ALL Sportsmen and sports organizations to band together and put pressure on the Commissioners to END THESE CLOSED DOOR MEETINGS. BROADCAST THESE MEETINGS LIVE ON CCTV AND PROVE TO ALL OF US THAT EVERYONE IS TREATED EQUALLY!