ODFW Commission Extends Columbia River Reform Fisheries Transition Period
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Seafood News] by Susan Chambers - December 7, 2016
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to extend the Columbia River Fisheries Reform Policy transition period for an additional year, through Dec. 31, 2017. The policy was implemented four years ago to force a sport fishing priority for salmon on the main stem of the Columbia River and move commercial gillnet fisheries to off-channel areas. The full policy was supposed to go into effect in 2017.
However, the full policy implementation would not have met all the goals, which included off-channel and hatchery enhancements for commercial fishermen; use of alternative gears, such as purse seines and conservation of ESA-listed species.
The extension will allow for more consideration by Commission members and consultation with management partners, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a press release.
Department staff said in their presentation ...
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