A Shared Strategy: Port Ludlow 2
Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Forum
Remarks by Dr. Jeff Koenings, WDFW Director
January 18, 2001

Overall Goals

• Create a common understanding of how to build on existing and emerging efforts to recovery endangered species (Chinook salmon, Hood Canal summer chum, bull trout) across Puget Sound;

• Improve and embrace the draft Shared Strategy developed after the first workshop, and move it forward;

• Launch efforts to establish the organization necessary to support the implementation of the Shared Strategy.

1. Introduction -- Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Perspectives Why a Shared Strategy?

   The different agencies in front of you today all have different roles, responsibilities and authorities.

   • We cannot set those aside, but we can and have agreed to harness these authorities to recover the fish population (salmon and trout) in Puget Sound.

   • We each have unique expertise to lend to this process, e.g. WDFW comanages harvest and hatchery activities.

   • These are two ingredients in this salmon and trout recovery "stew" we need to concoct a recipe for.

   • The Shared Strategy is the proposed process in front of you to develop, together, that recipe.

   Of course, harvest and hatcheries are only part of the recipe -- other important ingredients are the freshwater and estuarine habitats. These are important ingredients because our habitats are "sick" and a major part of the recovery plan would be to restore those habitats. Thus, the "Shared Strategy" will integrate ongoing efforts in harvest, hatcheries and habitat.

   Finally, another very important expertise WDFW brings to the table is science. My view is that good science is the fundamental ingredient we need to framework our recovery efforts. The WDFW provides technical assistance to local watershed groups, counties, cities, etc. This is our fundamental role and responsibility.

2. Wrap Up Session: WDFW Feedback From Participant Break-Out Sessions

   We've been asked to provide our (WDFW) perspective on the reports from the break-out sessions. Here are my impressions of what was said:

   • First is a "Promise" of the Shared Strategy to bring people together; good ideas if we can pull it off, as it can provide for a broader perspective that addresses responsibilities/roles at different scales, e.g. combine science with policy makers; there is a real sense of optimism; hopefulness.

   • Second is a "Caution" or perhaps a healthy skepticism that we can pull it off; "Caution" in that people didn't want this "beast" of a Shared Strategy to somehow dilute/detract from ongoing efforts in the watersheds. The Shared Strategy needs to take advantage of local differences because they are real.

     Putting the First and Second points together, I think is captured in the phrase: "bottom-up (watersheds) approach with side boards (Shared Strategy)."

   • Third is "Goal Setting." Science-based recovery goals are necessary; I view these as one of those biological "side boards." Leave implementation of recovery to the watersheds, and we can't lose track of the ecosystem in the process. This can be a multi-species approach.

   • Fourth is "Moving beyond just us." Involve the general public and translate science into something understandable. A shared communication/education process is missing at this point and should be addressed.

     WDFW is firmly committed to this process, its mission and approach. "Bottom up with side boards" is how we see this working!

     Perhaps the "caution" I hear may stem from the fact that such agency cooperation/collaboration is an "unnatural act" and people are understandably reluctant to sign on to "a promise" that seems unnatural from the start.

     But, from my viewpoint, we've demonstrated our ability to do this. For example:

   • The tribes and the department are "jointly" developing multi-species plans; biologically-based recovery goals; we are jointly developing harvest plans for the 4(d) rule; we are jointly reforming hatcheries; and we are jointly participating in the relicensing of dams. "We are co-managers and we are acting as such."

     Perhaps the "caution" I hear stems from people questioning our individual agency's/government's ability to mesh or harmonize our existing "mission" with that of the Shared Strategy.

   At WDFW, this is a "no brainer."

   • Our mission or goal is: to provide for sustainable fish and wildlife populations, i.e. fish and wildlife, not just salmon.

   To achieve this goal, we at DFW have four agency objectives, but I'll restrict my thoughts to three:

   • First, maintain healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations and their habitats -- sounds like a multi-species or ecosystem health objective.

   • Second, provide for sustainable fish and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities:
     • consistent with Governor's salmon recovery strategy
     • consistent with the legislative mandate to the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office for salmon recovery
     • consistent with my statutory mandate
     • consistent with the "Shared Strategy"

     All support robust populations and rebuilding to harvestable levels.

   • Third, create healthy partnerships and provide for customer service.
     • To us, that means partnerships with local watershed groups.
     • We are committed to providing science/technical assistance through our science divisions within our fish, habitat and wildlife programs.
     • We've also created the "watershed stewardship" program that puts biologists in the field nearer the action to help transfer technical assistance where requested.
     • We also administer and foster the lead entity program and have established the "LEAG" or Lead Entity Advisory Group to guide that program.
     • Other partnerships exist with the "Regional Fish Enhancement Groups" (Al Adams) as well as "Long Live The Kings" (Barbara Cairns), our partner in hatchery reform.

   The bottom line is that we are already heavily invested and committed to the "bottom up approach with side boards."

   Perhaps the "caution" I hear is for other reasons:

   • Whatever the reason is, we can deal with it; we have to, because we need to move on...
     • We need to set biologically-based recovery goals and engage the watersheds about the goals and how to implement actions to achieve them.
     • We will continue to provide science-based expertise to local watershed groups as partners in this effort.
     • We will work to harmonize the hatchery, harvest and habitat components into a comprehensive process, because healthy watersheds lead to sustainable fish and wildlife populations.

   The Shared Strategy is on an ambitious schedule. To achieve that schedule, we need to collectively move on.

   
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