Plunker

I would not qualify the use of observers as a requirement from ODFW’s view. They would tend to express the use of observers as a tool to measure compliance with the current US V Oregon BiOp. I would believe that NOAA fisheries would be the one to pressure as they are required to enter into consultations if the agreements within the BiOp are not being met. But ODFW may contend that the lack of observers has not hindered their ability to gauge compliance.

As to the number of observers, in a meeting in January, Steve King offered the Conservation proponents in attendance the opportunity to be observers for this fishery (actually it was a snide remark asking if any of us had ever worked on a gill net boat and would we like to be observers) Several days later I pressed him for more information to allow me or any one else to be observers, this was his reply:

“Regarding citizens observing the commercial fishery, my thought was to
ride along with an ODFW or WDFW monitor. We can accommodate a few
interested parties. I was not suggesting an individual would collect
data for us on his/her own. However you are certainly free to make your
own contact with a commercial fisher and ask to go along. You cannot
handle the gear though unless you possess a commercial fish license. If
you are interested in observing please let me or Pat Frazier know.”
Steve King / ODFW

ODFW does not want us collecting data for them. Perhaps we are too independent?


POS Clerk