March 15, 2013 Minutes Conference Call

MEETING MINUTES
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WASHINGTON FISH AND WILDLIFE
COMMISSION MEETING via CONFERENCE CALL
Friday, March 15, 2013

Olympia, Washington

FRIDAY, March 15, 2013

Vice Chair Douvia called the meeting to order at 10:32 a.m.

A. Sportfishing Rules Reconsideration – Decision

Commissioners reconsidered decisions made at the March 1, 2013 meeting regarding Sportfishing Proposals.  Chair Wecker explained reasons for the reconsideration.  She would like to discuss the committee process at a future meeting. 

Chair Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Carpenterto amend the motion that was previously adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on March 1, 2013 regarding the 2013-14 Sport Fish Rules for sixgill, sevengill, and thresher sharks by closing the fishery for these species. Motion passed unanimously.

Chair Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Mahnken to amend the motion that was previously adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on March 1, 2013 regarding the 2013-14 Sport Fish Rules for White Sturgeon by changing the annual bag limit from 1 fish to 2 fish beginning May 1, 2013. Note: this retains the Commission’s action to go to catch and release beginning January 1, 2014 in the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam downstream, coastal estuaries, Puget Sound, and the tributaries of these waters.  Motion passed unanimously.

Chair Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter to amend the motion that was previously adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on March 1, 2013 regarding the 2013-14 Sport Fish Rules for Cabezon by returning the season length to the rules currently in place (Area 4, year-round; Marine Areas 5-11 and 13, May 1- November 30). Note: this retains the 18 inch minimum size limit and the 1 fish daily limit.   Motion passed; 8 yes, 1 no.

The Director offered and the Commission agreed that the Department would continue rule-making proceeding specifically on recreational fishing for Cabezon in Marine Areas 4-11 and 13.  The Department will be filing a supplemental proposed rule in the near future.  To address this rule making the Department will seek written public comment, and the Department will hold a public hearing prior to making a decisions.

Chair Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter to amend the motion that was previously adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on March 1, 2013 regarding the 2013-14 Sport Fish Rules for Area 4 rockfish by returning to the rules currently in place, (daily limit of 12 all bottomfish combined, in which no more than 10 rockfish, excluding canary and yelloweye).  Motion passed; 7 yes, 2 no.

B. Triploid Trout Stocking Plan - Decision
Chris Donley, Fish Biologist, presented the proposed 2013 triploid trout stocking plan for Commission consideration and final adoption.

Chair Wecker moved, seconded by Commissioner Perry to adopt the 2013 Triploid Trout Stocking Plan as presented (Table 2 and 3). Motion passed unanimously.

C. WDFW Downtown Olympia Property Sales
Director Anderson briefed the Commission on the sale of WDFW properties in downtown Olympia.

D. Legislative Update - Briefing
Ann Larson, Legislative Liaison, provided an update on current legislative activities and information on upcoming confirmation hearings for four of the commissioners.

E. General Discussion 
Commissioners and the Director will discuss recent activities and items of interest.

• Jeff Tayer presented the Teanaway property update.  Commissioner Perry gave compliments to staff working on the project.
• Commissioner Perry advised that the Washington Elk tag sold at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation event for $42,000.00

Vice Chair Douvia adjourned the meeting at  12:29 p.m.