The Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Grays Harbor Basin Salmon Management Policy (PDF) provides guidance to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to promote conservation of salmon in Grays Harbor Basin, as well as the economic well-being and stability of commercial and recreational fishing in Washington.
First adopted in February of 2014, the policy expired in December of 2023, and a formal policy revision process began in 2024. Department staff met with the Fish and Wildlife Commission in June and August 2024 to provide a performance review of the expired policy and offer recommendations for revisions. The proposed changes aim to enable flexible and adaptive management, use the best available science, and align more closely with the newly approved Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy.
The approach for a revised Grays Harbor Basin Salmon Management Policy aligns with the overarching WDFW mandate to preserve, perpetuate, and protect the salmon resource. It also ensures that commercial and recreational salmon fishing opportunities remain sustainable over the long term. Through these strategies, the Commission aims to balance ecological preservation with economic and recreational interests, fostering a resilient and well-managed salmon population.
Submit comments and attend a public meeting
The draft policy (PDF) is available for public review and comment through Sept. 15, 2024.
WDFW will also host a virtual public meeting Sept. 4, 2024, from 6-7:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the policy revision process, collect public feedback, and answer questions. Register for the virtual public meeting.
Department staff will present this feedback to the Commission during the September 26-28, 2024 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.