FYI. This was posted on Gamefishin.com
http://www.gamefishin.com/gfboard/forum_posts.asp?TID=9904&PN=1&TPN=2 and emailed to piscatorialpursuits.com
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It has come to my attention that a forum has opened up on your web page concerning fish that were found alongside the Skokomish River. I would like to take this opportunity to educate you and your members about our fishery regulations and Treaty rights.
In 1974, U.S. District Court Judge George Boldt ruled that the tribes reserved the right to harvest half of the harvestable salmon and steelhead in Western Washington. If anyone wants more information about the Boldt decision, please have them contact us here at the Skokomish Tribe and we will be happy to answer any questions.
As many people know, low dissolved oxygen is a major problem in the Hood Canal. The primary reason for the low dissolved oxygen is nutrient loading (nitrogen) from point sources such as failing septic systems, poor agricultural practices, storm water runoff, and salmon carcasses. In order to help alleviate this problem, the Skokomish Tribe has implemented ordinance 7.02.120 (k), which makes it illegal to dump fish anyplace not sanctioned by the Tribe; anyone caught dumping fish is fined for doing so. The Tribe has established two areas on the reservation where fishers may dispose of fish wastage. In time, that fish wastage becomes compost which is used on Tribal lands for restoration projects, including riparian work, which in turn creates healthy salmon habitat and increased fish returns.
Again, if you or any of your members have any questions, please have them contact us at the Skokomish fisheries office. We would welcome the chance to educate your members rather than have them spread misguided information. Also, for more information about the low DO problem in Hood Canal, please go to
http://www.hoodcanal.washington.edu .
Sincerely,
Jonathon Wolf
Fisheries Manager
Skokomish Tribe
North 541 Tribal Center Road
Shelton, Washington 98584
360-877-5213
jwolf@skokomish.org