Rockfish update

[Mr. Fisherman]

Let me tell you, that was a tough crowd.

I am delighted that we will have representation for sport fishers on the governing bodies.

I am encouraged that they are open to holding meetings at night or after normal business hours to gather more input from those of us who have to work during the day.

I believe that the commission is aware that there is a disproportion in the quota and that they may work towards rectifying it.

The group working on the plan is considering opportunities for sport fishing even if areas are closed too and that is encouraging.

Most of all I am pleased that they know that we are not going to stand idly by to watch as this resource is devastated.

We need to work together to insure that the momentum on this rolling ball continues.

Thanks to everyone who attended AND TO THOSE OF YOU WHO WILL ATTEND.

TOGETHER WE CAN AND WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

What worked this meeting, in my humble openion, is that the commission heard a consistent repeated message.

Mr. F, out…

[RFA Janice]

The Commission had a short presentation from the Marine Program staff about present and potential commercial closures being imposed by the PFMC to protect overfished groundfish. These closures are very likely to lead to increased effort on Oregon nearshore fish. In addition, there may be effort shift from California to Oregon, partly because California waters are closed for four months of the year to livefish fishing (but the market for them in California is very strong and remunerative).

Thanks to all who attended the meeting. We were able to convince the Commissioners that input from recreational fishermen should be sought in the development of the proposals for limiting the commercial livefish fishery. And I'm sure that they also heard that since we have lost much of our lingcod and canary fishing, all our yelloweye fishing, potentially our halibut fishing, and our black rockfish are nearing the point of red flags too, that sportfishermen need to have more of a voice in managing Oregon's coastal waters (within three miles).

As a result, ODFW will be appointing two advisory sportfishing representatives to the Developmental Fisheries Board--nonvoting but participating members. So that is the beginning of having more of a voice.

We also were able to convey our concern that we need to initiate and carry forward activities which can result in a protective plan for nearshore fisheries, both commercial and sport. From what I heard, the Marine Program (especially Patty Burke, Jim Golden, and Mark Saelens) and the Commissioners are very committed to protection of our nearshore. It is just a question of the money to do it.

Thank you, thank you, to all who attended. :grin:

More later.

Any addresses where those of us that live in the sticks can write and let them know how we feel?

:blush: D'oh!!! :blush: It helps if I read the alerts! :grin:

[ 07-12-2002, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: Keta ]

[BUGLEMAN]

Mr F.

I will attend future meetings I had to replace exhause manifold gaskets in the truck today.

[RFA Janice]

Noticed that Director Ball was trying to get closure on the Native Fish Conservation Plan workgroup, but asking for a report by September. He wants to get it DONE. Well, ODFW told the legislature they were going to do it in January, 1999, to deflect criticism of their hatchery policy that revolved around naturally produced fish and protections for naturally produced fish. So in about January of the 2001 session, Ed Bowles (Fish Division Administrator) wrote up a plan. He has since revised it once or twice. If they keep at the workgroup, it will be January, 2003, before they get a new policy into place, and they will have been "working on it" for four years and three legislative sessions. Director Ball can't see himself facing the legislature and admitting that it isn't adopted yet.

This is leaving me a little worried about how fast we can get some oversight of the livefish fishery. I think Jim Golden has been working on it since early in 2001, and so far they haven't attained any agreement from commercial fishermen--let alone started to put a moratorium on new OA (open access) permits (most livefish fishermen have OA permits, some have LE [=s limited entry] permits). What I think they need to do, as a Commission, is stop issuing new permits for state waters.

But considering their slowness at adopting plans, I have my doubt that this will happen soon, even with the emergency of the greater effort from livefishers, both in numbers and landings.

It seemed to me that Commissioner Feldner was very aware of the need for haste.

[Pilar]

Time well spent is how I would characterize our first venture into the waters of fish management.

Find out more on the main board.