Fish and Wildlife Commission seeks public comment on draft of Grays Harbor Salmon Management Policy through Sept. 15

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking public input on possible revisions to its Grays Harbor Salmon Management Policy. The public is invited to review and submit comments on the draft policy through Sept. 15.

The Grays Harbor Basin Salmon Management Policy provides guidance to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to promote conservation of Chinook, coho and chum 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 earlier this year.

The proposed changes aim to enable flexible and adaptive management, use the best available science, and align more closely with the recently approved Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy.

The draft policy (PDF) is now available for public review. Public comment will be accepted via the public input webpage. A virtual public meeting will be held on Sept. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. Registration for the meeting will be available soon on the policy webpage.

WDFW staff will present this feedback to the Fish and Wildlife Commission during a hybrid meeting on Sept. 26-28 in Spokane. Information on how to register to provide comments during the meeting will be made available on the WDFW Commission Meeting webpage.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.