Meetings Set For Freshwater Rules Changes

The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will be considering temporary rule changes to the 2008 fishing regulations due to expected low numbers of returning fall chinook salmon. State and federal agencies are considering changes in freshwater as well as ocean seasons and limits.

Public input is a large part of the Temporary Rule development process, and ODFW will be hosting 3 public meetings here on the coast. At these meetings, ODFW biologists will present forecasts on fall chinook returns and lay out proposals for rule changes. Public input at these meetings will be forwarded to the ODFW Commission at a June 6th meeting. Here are the public meeting locations and times:

April 29th, 7-9 p.m.– North Bend
North Bend Public Library (large conference room), 1800 Sherman Ave.
For more information, contact Mike Gray (541) 888-5515

April 30th, 7-9 p.m. – Newport
Hatfield Marine Science Center (Library Seminar Room), 2040 SE Marine Science Dr.
For more information, contact Bob Buckman (541) 867-0300, ext.224

May 1st, 7-9 p.m. – Tillamook
Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 5005 Third St.
For more information, contact Keith Braun (503) 842-2741, ext.233

Expected Low Returns Already Closes Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
On March 3, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Oregon closed the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery and the recreational fishery due to anticipated low returns of chinook salmon. All forecast models showed very low returns are anticipated, especially for Sacramento River chinook and Klamath River 3 year-old chinook.

Your Opinion Matters!
Many people feel that decisions have already been made and that public opinion doesn’t matter, but believe me it does. I feel strongly enough about this issue to write letters, make phone calls and attend at least one of these meetings. Let’s all do the right thing are protect our state’s legacy of great fishing. If this means a few years of reduced opportunities in order to recover chinook numbers, then so be it.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)