2008 Joint Staff Report Concerning Stock Status and Fisheries for Sturgeon and Smelt

This report describes sturgeon and smelt fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River and includes summaries of stock status, current management plans and guidelines, and past management actions and strategies. Additionally, this report contains information concerning smelt abundance and fisheries in Columbia River tributaries.

This report is part of an annual series produced by the Joint Columbia River Management Staff of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) prior to each major Columbia River Compact/Joint State hearing. The hearing for 2008 sturgeon and smelt management will begin at 10 AM, Thursday December 13 at the Kelso City Hall, 203 South Pacific Avenue, Kelso, Washington. Members of the US v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) have reviewed this report.