Getting the word out that due to the recent developments of Tribal fisheries beginning before their permit has been approved, All fishermen and women in Washington state are requested to attend a protest at the NOAA fisheries office In Lacey Washington


When:

Thursday May 5th at 11:30am.

Where:

NOAA Fisheries satellite office
510 Desmond Drive Southeast, Suite 103
Lacey, WA 98503


Why:
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has sent a letter to the WDFW/State of Washington that Northwest tribes will begin fishing on ESA listed stocks of Chinook before any Federal permit or NEXUS is granted by NOAA. it is unclear whether or not this permit will be granted under section 7, subsection 7D. Ive heard that the state attourneys office does not beleive that the B.I.A has the authority to open fisheries for the tribes without a permit and consent from NOAA.

Aside from whether or not NOAA issues a permit or not, the tribe is fishing anyways by announcing fisheries in the Skagit river and Skagit bay, starting today.

The Northwest treaty tribes have already files for their section 7 permit as of last Friday. The state intends to apply tomorrow or Thursday.

What to do:
Please try to attend if at all possible! Bring the kids, wife, friends who fish etc. Bring anyone who likes your smoked salmon or who has been out on your boat fishing with you. Bring a neighbor!

Make signs and prepare some chants! we need to let NOAA know thatthe recreational fishing community demands equality in our salmon fisheries.



All of the major sportfishing and angling groups will be issuing announcements in support of this protest..


More to come!