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News
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Recreational Crabbing
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Aug 7th Comission crab policy public testimony meeting
While conservation of Puget Sound Dungeness crab is not currently the issue, a significant battle is underway to decide the percentage split of crab between recreational and commercial crabbers. Treaty tribes are entitled to 50% of the harvestable amount each year, and the other 50% is split between recreational and commercial.
There are 249 Puget Sound commercial crab licenses, owned by 155 individuals or companies. Annual renewal fees for these licenses generate about $65,000 to WDFW. Around 200,000 crab license endorsements are purchased yearly by the recreational community, providing over $ 500,000 (for just the endorsement. Does not include the shellfish license that must also be purchased) to WDFW. (See WDFW crabbing economic data below.)
Prior to 2000, recreational crabbing was allowed all year. Since then, it has been dramatically restricted. WDFW states that the 2005-2009 averages catches were:
-- 1,276,800 pounds recreational (32%)
-- 2,766,034 pounds commercial (68%)
At the request of the Recreational Crab and Shrimp Advisory Group and recreational stakeholders, including Puget Sound Anglers, Recreational Fishing Alliance, and CCA, the WDFW Commission is proposing a revised crab policy that increases recreational opportunity to catch crab. The Commission plans to make their final policy decision at their October meeting.
Of three options proposed, “Option A” is projected to change the recreational/commercial catch split to about 45% / 55%. To read Options A, B, and C, with detailed information about catch history and WDFW projections for recreational and commercial catches for each option, click here.
Attendance at the August 7th Commission meeting overflowed the room, and both recreational and commercial crabbers testified. To read a summary of the meeting, click here.
To read Ed Wickersham’s August 7th testimony, click here.
WDFW’s CRABBING ECONOMIC DATA (recreational and commercial) states clearly that commercial crabbing licenses are subsidized. To view that data, including the statement about the “subsidy,” click here.
A joint letter from Recreational Stakeholders to the WDFW Commission can be read here.
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The Puget Sound "Blackmouth Fishery"
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The effectiveness of the once-popular “blackmouth fishery”, created in 1993 by the legislature as the Recreational Salmon and Marine Fish Enhancement Program (RSMFEP) has been greatly reduced due to Endangered Species Act listings and changing conditions. WDFW may propose legislation to the 2011 legislature to revise the RSMFEP (RCW 77.105) to provide greater clarity and accountability for the program.
CCA Washington has joined with other groups to promote specific metrics in any legislation to actually improve recreational fishing opportunity in Puget Sound. The groups also provided a list of specific steps that could be taken to accomplish this goal. Since this program is funded directly from license surcharges it is critically important that the program actually improve recreational angling opportunity in Puget Sound.
In July, CCA, Puget Sound Anglers, and Fish Northwest sent a letter to the Director, WDFW, that included those eight suggestions to help achieve the goal of increased Puget Sound angler participation in this fishery. To read the letter, click here.
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Cowlitz River Advisory Group Update
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In April 2010, the WDFW director appointed a Cowlitz River Advisory Group (CRAG). WDFW formed the 12-member group to assist them in management decisions. CRAG will be meeting twice a month during this next year. CCA’s representative on CRAG is Dale Scott of the Lewis County Chapter.
The group’s major focus is to advise WDFW in updating the Fishery & Hatchery Management Plan and, more broadly, to improve conservation and sustainable fishing opportunities on the Cowlitz River. To this end, discussion topics include hatchery reform, hatchery production, steelhead genetics, nutrient enhancement, downstream juvenile smolt collection, recycling, and fishery and conservation values.
Discussions must fall within the framework and constraints of ESA listed runs on the Cowlitz River. CRAG is currently discussing ways to recycle fish using timing, weirs, catch limits, and hatchery production to maximize angling opportunity while limiting impact on wild ESA listed fish. This discussion includes determining the best use and impact of surplus fish for nutrient enhancement, downstream recycling, and food bank needs.
Attractant water from our hatcheries is also currently being addressed. We are looking at species, timing of runs, and the possibility of decreasing the flow without impacting ESA listed fish.
Downstream juvenile collection is a major key to solving many of the Cowlitz River issues. Tacoma Power must be held accountable. Their licensing agreement requires that 95% of downstream smolt must be collected, and no additional extension of time should be allowed. Currently, Tacoma Power is collecting less than 55% of the smolts and in some cases as little as 15%!
As a group, we are trying to determine what Cowlitz River fish populations and fisheries would look like given the sideboards provided by the ESA, FERC license, Settlement Agreement, and WDFW policies. With the work of CRAG, and the cooperation of WDFW, NOAA, and Tacoma Power we can manage the Cowlitz back to its’ place as a premier fishery of the State, and the nation, while protecting our threatened runs.
The Cowlitz River is a tremendous economic engine for the surrounding communities and the State. It has been on a downward spiral. Time is running short. We must let our legislators know the Cowlitz River is critical to our economy, and our cultural well-being. |
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Miscellaneous
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Book Offer Includes Donation to CCA
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Author and CCA member Joe Schwab is offering a $3.00 donation to CCA for each copy of his book, OUTLAWS ON THE BIG RIVER, sold directly through him.
Outlaws on the Big River is a true account of the experiences of the Author as he worked the Columbia River as a Wildlife Enforcement Officer for the Oregon State Police. The danger, tedium and humor encountered while matching wits with determined fish poachers and law breakers makes for some interesting reading and insight into a field of Law Enforcement the public knows little about.
Joe will ship the book immediately, and pay shipping costs. To buy a copy, send $13.00 to:
Joe Schwab
3425 Tahoma St.
Columbia City, OR 97018
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Fishstock 2010
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A Celebration of Fish Conservation Efforts in Southwest Washington
FISHSTOCK 2010
Potluck Picnic
Hosted by
SW Washington Chapter
Coastal Conservation Association
When: Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Swanson’s Daybreak Sky Ranch
4501 NE 290th St.
La Center, WA 98629
Bring a potluck dish, plate, cup, flatware, chair.
SW WA CCA chapter will barbeque pork.
Enjoy an afternoon of visiting, swimming, fishing, along 1.5 miles of the East Fork Lewis River.
For more information contact:
Glen Johnston 360-887-8787
Steve Koch 360-606-0623
Jack Mattice 360-260-7813
Cindy Morgan 360-263-3104
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August 25, 2010
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Meeting Dates and Deadlines
WDFW Commission Meetings
Agenda and Updates here
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Banquet Schedule
September 17th, Inland Empire - Spokane
September 25th, Capitol City
October 2nd, Yakima
October 8th, Oregon Statewide Banquet in Portland
October 14th, North Olympic Peninsula
November 12th, Sno King
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Volunteers Needed!
The work of CCA is dependent upon volunteers. Please volunter to help. No experience is needed. To volunteer in any way, a little or a lot, go to our website here.
Thank you!
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Feedback and Comments
CCA Washington is interested in hearing from you. Visit our website here to submit comments and questions you may have. Thanks!
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