ODFW News: Groundfish Rules Hearing

[Pete]

For Immediate Release Monday, February 23, 2004

Public meetings to be held this week on 2005-2006 groundfish seasons

SALEM - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host three public meetings this week in Astoria, Newport and Gold Beach to gain input on groundfish regulations for the 2005 and 2006 sport and commercial fishing seasons.

Comments received at the meetings will assist ODFW in the development of preliminary options for recreational and commercial regulations.
These options will be presented at the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting in Tacoma, Wash., March 8-12.

For the first time, PFMC will develop regulations that span a two years. Therefore, ideas presented from the public at these meetings will form the basis for management options for the entire 2005-2006 regulatory framework for groundfish species.

Discussion topics for the public meetings will include:
· 2005-2006 commercial and sport groundfish regulations;
· Nearshore management;
· Management of overfished species;
· Implementation of "tested gear" as management options;
· Regional management; and
· Additional options and topics from the public.

Each meetings will occur 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the following dates and locations:
· Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Astoria Comfort Suites Hotel, 3420 Leif Erickson Drive;
· Thursday, Feb. 26 at Hatfield Science Center Auditorium in Newport, 2030 South Marine Science Drive;
· Monday, March 1 at the Gold Beach Senior Center, 29841 Airport Way.

Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002

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