Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission met Feb. 14

OLYMPIA — The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission decided on commercial whale watching rule making, land transactions, and Columbia River salmon management, and heard briefings on Columbia River commercial fisheries and biodiversity at its Feb. 14 meeting.

The Commission meeting began with an open public input opportunity, followed by a report from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind. 

The Commission approved proposed revisions to commercial whale watching rules, as well as four proposed land acquisitions across Grant, Okanogan, and Clallam counties, and a land-use agreement in Kitsap County. The land transactions include acquisition of the Sekiu Water Access on Clallam Bay, which would provide year-round access to the only non-tide dependent boat launch between Port Angeles and Neah Bay.

The Commission heard a briefing on the Columbia River Compact, implementation of the 2022 Columbia gillnet buyback budget proviso, and Columbia commercial fisheries monitoring. The Commission heard the 2024 annual review of the Columbia River Salmon Fishery Management policy and authorized Director Susewind to work with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2025 to achieve concurrent fishing regulations. The Commission also heard a staff overview of WDFW’s 2023-2025 biodiversity funding.

The meeting was recorded and is available on the Commission webpage for the public to watch at their convenience.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.