Purpose
This policy provides guidance on where, when, and how to manage non-native game fish in a manner that protects and conserves native species, maximizes recreational opportunities on native and non-native food fish and game fish, and supports the fishing industry and the local and state economy.
Intent
The intent of this policy is to provide clear and concise context and guidance as to where, when, and how WDFW may manage non-native game fish to provide recreational opportunity. This policy also recognizes that non-native game fish species play an important role in Washington’s diverse recreational fishing landscape, generating hundreds of thousands of angler trips annually, and contributing millions to local and state economies. This policy does not preclude the use of non-native game fish to establish, maintain, or enhance recreational fishing. In establishing this policy for statewide application, the Fish and Wildlife Commission provides guidance to address the interests of recreational anglers to fish for non-native game fish species while meeting conservation and recovery objectives for native species as also mandated by the Washington State legislature.
Policy Guidelines
Some non-native game fish species may pose a threat to populations of native species by depredating, competing, altering habitats, and introducing diseases. In some locations, non-native fish species can enhance native ecosystems, provide more balance to the food web, and help rebuild fisheries. In recent years, non-native game fish and their potential threats to native species have been managed through harvest rules in a majority of anadromous waters. This approach has created concerns among anglers about impacts to the quality and quantity of recreational fisheries targeting non-native game fish. Conservation and recovery of native species is WDFW’s highest priority; consistent with this priority the following guidelines will be used to manage fisheries for non-native game fish that help meet the needs and interests of non-native game fish anglers where appropriate.