Commission to consider freshwater fishing rule changes, marine fish and shellfish rule simplification, and land acquisitions at December meeting

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider several fishing rule proposals and land transactions at its December meeting, as well as hear updates on Southern Resident Killer Whales, sockeye fishery management, hatchery reform, and Columbia River salmon.

The Commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), will meet Dec. 13-14 at the Holiday Inn & Suites, 4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, WA 98226. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. both days.

A full agenda is available online at wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings. The Dec. 13 meeting will be livestreamed on WDFW’s website at https://player.invintus.com/?clientID=2836755451&eventID=2019121001 and the Dec. 14 meeting will be available at https://player.invintus.com/?clientID=2836755451&eventID=2019121002.  

On Friday, the Commission will consider approval of land transactions to protect critical fish and wildlife habitat and enhance public recreation opportunities.

During Saturday’s meeting, WDFW staff and members of the Joint State Columbia River Salmon Fishery Policy Review Committee will provide an update on the review process for the Columbia River Salmon Management Policy.

Commissioners will also consider adoption of proposals to liberalize bag limits for bass, walleye, and catfish in select waters throughout the state. These proposals are the result of House Bill 1579, which directed WDFW to implement task force recommendations meant to increase the abundance of Chinook salmon for endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.

The public is invited to speak and provide testimony at Commission meetings. For more information on how to participate, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings#publictestimony.

WDFW is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.