State hatchery genetic management plans

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comment on the management plans used by the agency to operate its hatchery production programs for 42 programs in the lower Columbia River area. Three additional plans have also been added for review.

The plans, known as Hatchery Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs), describe the operation of artificial production programs for salmon and steelhead and the potential effects of each program on salmon and steelhead species that are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

HGMPs are available for 10 chinook, 14 coho, 19 steelhead, and two chum hatchery programs. The plans can be viewed on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hat/hgmp/ or in person through a scheduled appointment at WDFW’s Olympia office. An appointment can be scheduled by calling (360) 902-2802 or (360) 902-2700.

WDFW is accepting public comments on the HGMPs for artificial production programs on the Columbia River until 5 p.m. on Oct. 18. Comments can be submitted electronically via e-mail at HGMP@dfw.wa.gov, or in writing to:

Dr. Jeff Koenings, Director, WDFW
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA., 98501-1091
Attention: Andy Appleby, Fish Program

All comments must be received by WDFW by 5 p.m. on Oct. 18. Public comments, WDFW’s response and any resulting modifications to HGMPs will be posted on the department’s website and forwarded to NOAA-Fisheries, the federal agency responsible for implementing the ESA.

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