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For more information on
fishing, please contact the
WDFW Fish Program.
360-902-2700
For fishing regulation
questions, e-mail us at:
fishregs@dfw.wa.gov
For all other questions and comments, e-mail us at:
fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov
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Sportfishing Rule Proposals & Comments
View proposals and comments on proposals that were submitted by the public and WDFW staff.
There are two types of rules available for viewing.
for Public Comment |
for further consideration |
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View by Category
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| Reference ID: DFW502321 | | Critical Conservation Need Submission Type: WDFW Staff | Rules Category:
Statewide | Species covered in proposed rule
• Other
Other Description
White Sturgeon | Rule to Change:
Statewide Freshwater Rules: Areas and Seasons: White Sturgeon: Open during game fish or salmon seasons (unless specifically noted in the Special Rules). In Puget Sound tributaries catch-and-release allowed only during game fish or salmon seasons; retention is allowed only from June 1 – June 30 and September 1 – October 15 (unless specifically noted in the Special Rules).
Marine Area Rules: White Sturgeon: Catch-and-release open year-round; Marine Areas 1-4: retention allowed year-round; Marine Areas 5-13: retention is allowed only from June 1 – June 30 and September 1 – October 15.
| New Rule Proposal:
This proposal acts as a placeholder to cover non-specified modifications to rules for white sturgeon that would be identified through a series of public meetings and Commission guidance for the purpose of managing harvest and fisheries. Possible changes could include, but not be limited to: 1) expanded retention prohibitions by area and time up to catch-and-release only fisheries; 2) establish and/or expand no-fishing sturgeon spawning sanctuaries by area and time. | Why the change is needed:
Abundance and productivity of white sturgeon inhabiting or originating from the lower Columbia River (LCR) has declined substantially over the past five years due in part to long-term reductions in key food resources and predation by Stellar sea lions. Washington and Oregon fishery managers responded by decreasing annual harvest guidelines in the lower Columbia River by 40% in 2010, 29% in 2011, and 39% in 2012 (74% reduction from 2009 levels). Corresponding reductions have been implemented to guidelines for Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor and a seasonal retention closure was implemented in 2012 for Puget Sound fisheries.
The intent of these actions is to stabilize and rebuild the white sturgeon population. Assessments are conducted each summer to monitor population responses to these management actions. Additional retention restrictions or closures may be needed if the population does not respond as intended.
Public input on white sturgeon management strategies, including rule change options, will be solicited at six meetings scheduled for Portland, OR (July 17); Longview, WA (July 18); Astoria, OR (July 19); Raymond, WA (July 24); Mill Creek, WA (July 26); and Montesano, WA (July 31).
| Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change:
Craig Burley, Pat Frazier, Ron Warren, Annette Hoffman | Describe their support and/or concerns:
Supportive for the reasons provided. | | Submitted by: JAMES, BRAD — , Date submitted: 06/14/2012 |
Reference ID: DFW502321 Rule Change Recommendation Short Title
Rules Category
Statewide Type of Rule Change Proposal
Conservation County or Location Information
Short Description
This proposal modifies rules for white sturgeon that will be developed through a series of public meetings and Commission guidance for the purpose of managing harvest and fisheries. Possible options include, but are not limited to: changes in 1)areas and/or times including catch and release only; 2) size limits; 3) 2 fish annual limit; 4) terminal gear (i.e., circle hooks, etc.). Explanation
Abundance and productivity of white sturgeon inhabiting or originating from the lower Columbia River has declined substantially over the past five years due in part to long-term reductions in key food resources and predation by Steller sea lions. Washington and Oregon fishery managers responded by decreasing annual harvest guidelines in the lower Columbia River by 40% in 2010, 29% in 2011, and 39% in 2012 (74% reduction from 2009 levels). Corresponding reductions have been implemented to guidelines for Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor and a seasonal retention closure was implemented in 2012 for Puget Sound fisheries. The intent of these actions is to stabilize and rebuild the white sturgeon population. Assessments are conducted each summer to monitor population responses to management actions. Results of the surveys become available mid-fall and additional restrictions may be needed if the population does not respond as intended. Recent management actions have focused on retention seasons and no-fishing spawning sanctuaries. Changes to general statewide rules for sturgeon should be part of the suite of actions available to managers and stakeholders. Corresponding changes to sturgeon rules have been considered by Oregon and on September 7, 2012 the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a reduction in the Oregon annual bag limit to 2 fish effective January 1, 2013. Original Rule Proposal Number(s)DFW194162DFW181091DFW502231DFW616892DFW552688DFW459005DFW736341DFW502321
Online public comments submitted for this proposal can be found here.
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