06-09-2009, 11:10 AM
OLYMPIA - State fishery managers will hold a second public workshop June 12 in Seattle to discuss efforts to update the federally approved fisheries plan that guides conservation of Puget Sound chinook salmon throughout their range.
The public workshop, sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mountaineers Building, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle.
The workshop is a continuation of a meeting that took place in May, said Phil Anderson, WDFW interim director. During the May workshop, fishery managers discussed the scientific basis of the current plan and possible changes to fishery management.
The June workshop will feature a panel discussion among outside experts in fisheries, hatchery management, environmental issues and other disciplines, said Anderson.
"During the June workshop we will focus on ideas for improving the management of our fisheries to better support efforts to conserve and recover Puget Sound chinook salmon," said Anderson. "This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in Puget Sound chinook management to offer their thoughts on possible updates to the plan."
The current plan - set to expire next April - defines conservation goals for state and tribal fisheries that harvest Puget Sound chinook salmon, which are listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Under that law, no fisheries affecting Puget Sound chinook can occur without a conservation plan approved by NOAA Fisheries.
The current Puget Sound Chinook Harvest Management Plan is posted on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/papers/ps_chinoo...t/harvest/
Media Contact
Pat Pattillo, (360) 902-2705
The public workshop, sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mountaineers Building, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle.
The workshop is a continuation of a meeting that took place in May, said Phil Anderson, WDFW interim director. During the May workshop, fishery managers discussed the scientific basis of the current plan and possible changes to fishery management.
The June workshop will feature a panel discussion among outside experts in fisheries, hatchery management, environmental issues and other disciplines, said Anderson.
"During the June workshop we will focus on ideas for improving the management of our fisheries to better support efforts to conserve and recover Puget Sound chinook salmon," said Anderson. "This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in Puget Sound chinook management to offer their thoughts on possible updates to the plan."
The current plan - set to expire next April - defines conservation goals for state and tribal fisheries that harvest Puget Sound chinook salmon, which are listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Under that law, no fisheries affecting Puget Sound chinook can occur without a conservation plan approved by NOAA Fisheries.
The current Puget Sound Chinook Harvest Management Plan is posted on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/papers/ps_chinoo...t/harvest/
Media Contact
Pat Pattillo, (360) 902-2705