February 20, 2003
Actions: Closes the Green (Duwamish) River in King County to all fishing.
Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2003.
Species affected: Steelhead and all other fish species.
Location: Green River (King County), from its mouth to the Tacoma Headworks Dam.
Reason for action: The pre-season forecast for the Green River wild steelhead run is not large enough to allow any targeted fisheries. The wild fish escapement goal has not been reached the last three years and is showing a declining trend. Regulations have required the release of wild steelhead since Dec. 1, 2002.
In addition, the return of hatchery steelhead this season has been poor and few hatchery fish remain in the river. Therefore, closing the river Feb. 28 will not significantly affect harvest opportunities for hatchery fish and will provide additional protection for the predicted low wild run.
Information contact: Curt Kraemer, Region 4 Fish Program, (425) 775-1311 ext. 101 or Tom Cropp, District 12 Fish Biologist, (253) 840-4563.
Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2003.
Species affected: Steelhead and all other fish species.
Location: Green River (King County), from its mouth to the Tacoma Headworks Dam.
Reason for action: The pre-season forecast for the Green River wild steelhead run is not large enough to allow any targeted fisheries. The wild fish escapement goal has not been reached the last three years and is showing a declining trend. Regulations have required the release of wild steelhead since Dec. 1, 2002.
In addition, the return of hatchery steelhead this season has been poor and few hatchery fish remain in the river. Therefore, closing the river Feb. 28 will not significantly affect harvest opportunities for hatchery fish and will provide additional protection for the predicted low wild run.
Information contact: Curt Kraemer, Region 4 Fish Program, (425) 775-1311 ext. 101 or Tom Cropp, District 12 Fish Biologist, (253) 840-4563.