Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) alternative gear efforts are directed by Policy C-3630. While work continues on developing alternative gears, WDFW under guidance from Director Kelly Susewind, is pursuing an emerging commercial fishery designation (RCW 77.65.400) via rule making. Use of various gears (e.g. purse seine, beach seine, and pound net) in the lower Columbia commercial fishery is currently prohibited by Washington state laws (RCW 77.50.030). Designating an emerging commercial fishery would allow their use and continued development. Per RCW, the five-person director-appointed advisory board will make recommendations on how, when, and where to operate the gear in the newly designated fishery.
At the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, we celebrate diverse individuals who bring a wide range of perspectives. All are welcome to participate in our processes regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.
Contacts and member info
Members
Guidelines
Contacts
Charlene Hurst
Columbia River Management Unit Lead
Charlene.Hurst@dfw.wa.gov
360-605-5247
Beth Deacy
Columbia River Fisheries Sampling Coordinator
bethany.deacy@dfw.wa.gov
360-600-7069
Meeting calendar
Agendas will be available approximately one week prior to the next meeting.
| Date | Location | Meeting materials |
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Virtual meeting, using Microsoft Teams, starting at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Join on your computer or mobile app Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 281 823 526 815 Or call in (audio only) Phone Conference ID: 828 591 516# |
Agenda to come | |
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Hybrid meeting starting at 10:30 am - 1:30 pm In-person at Lower Columbia College at 1600 Maple St. Longview, WA, Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams |
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Hybrid meeting starting at 1pm. Those attending in person will meet at the Region 5, Ridgefield Office: 5525 S 11th St, Ridgefield WA 98642 |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams starting at 10 am. |
Agenda to come | |
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Hybrid meeting using Microsoft Teams, with in person option at the WDFW Region 5 Office starting at 10am |
Agenda to come | |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams. |
Agenda to come | |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams. |
Agenda to come | |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams |
Agenda to come | |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams |
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Virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams |
Additional information
Seine Fishery letter, fall 2016 - A letter informing commercial fishers of the seine fishery structure
Emerging Commercial Fishery Designation Rulemaking - Track current rule making activities here
Relevant RCWs and WACs
RCW 77.65.400 – Designation of a fishery as an emerging commercial fishery
RCW 77.70.160 – Issuance of experimental fisher permits for commercial harvest
RCW 77.70.180 - Emerging Commercial Fishery Report to Legislature
WAC 220-360-030 – Formation of Experimental Fishery Advisory board, this advisory board