Joint Staff Report Concerning Commercial Seasons for Sturgeon and Smelt in 2006

This report describes winter season 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 abundances and fisheries in Columbia River tributaries. Fisheries and season proposals described in this report will be considered at a public hearing of the Columbia River Compact to be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at the Cowlitz County PUD building, 921 12th Avenue, Longview, Washington. The purpose of this hearing is to consider fishing seasons for the commercial harvest of sturgeon and smelt within the mainstem Columbia River. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has reviewed this report. The TAC functions under U.S. v. Oregon and is comprised of biologists from state and federal fish management agencies and the Columbia River treaty Indian tribes.