the article didn't mention that for the tribes to run sportfishing charters, a change needs to be made in the boldt decision. right now, it is illegal for a non-tribal person to fish on a tribal boat. there was a couple articles printed about this by (i believe) bob mottram of the tacoma news tribune in late august of this year.

from the original article, the tribes are looking to avoid any state licensing for their charters (charter licenses for saltwater fishing).

i for one don't like this, especially if tribal charters have their own seasons and don't have to obey the state licensing requirements that all other charter boats have to deal with. i'm not opposed to some tribal members doing chartering, but they need to be under the same rules as all the other charter boat operators in washington state (seasons and licenses), especially since wdfw and the legislature have to change the law for this to be possible. hopefully they will make sure it's not a complete giveaway that harms existing license holders.

chris