Update on WDF&W's effort to get a selective fishery up and running. It is interesting how little recognition of this effort which is pretty much a first around here. A true selective fishery that is.

Also got word from the Advocacy that the Gillnetters did poorly in court on the Willapa challenge on the 2015 seasons which was really a challenge to the Willapa Policy. More on this soon.




From Region 6:

The Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy (C-3622) seeks to achieve conservation and restoration of wild salmon in Willapa Bay and avoid ESA designation of any salmon species. While conservation of salmon species within Willapa Bay is the paramount objective of the policy, the policy also seeks to maintain the economic well-being and stability of both recreational and commercial fisheries within Willapa Bay. Under Guiding Principle #4, the Department is to investigate and promote the development and implementation of alternative selective gear to provide an opportunity to target fishery harvests on abundant hatchery fish stocks, reduce the number of hatchery-origin fish in natural spawning areas, limit mortalities on non-target species and stocks, and provide commercial fishing opportunities.

The Department has sent out a call for proposals to commercial fishers for alternative selective gear to be considered. One proposal for using a floating pontoon fish trap will involve the development of a trial fishery. On April 19th, 2017, the Department filed a CR-101 in relation to the use of a fish trap in Willapa Bay in 2017 and will hold a series of meetings over the next few weeks to seek input as to the formulation of the rules and regulations around this trial fishery.

Meeting dates and times are as follows:

Willapa Bay Advisory Group Meeting
May 31st, 2017
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Montesano Regional Office

Willapa Bay Public Meeting
June 2nd, 2017
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Montesano City Hall
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Dazed and confused.............the fog is closing in