We made it to the ODFW meeting in Newport Thurs. night. “Stickflicker” (John B.) joined me for the ride. There was the usual mix of sport, commercial, and charter attendees. Don Bodenmiller presided. He shared the current planning process, what was being proposed / discussed, and asked for suggestions / ideas for things like alternative gear, alternative seasons, etc. Here is a partial list of key things shared:
• Lings, canary, and yelloweye are treated and managed as the same stock for CA, OR, and WA. Restricting one state because another has caused the exceeding of an OY has been very contentious, so the PFMC groundfish allocation group is “talking” about the possibility of separate OYs by state.
• Bocaccio is the exception; they are treated as separate stocks.
• A new sampling program is being developed.
• A new ling cod assessment is coming; it is recognized that lingcod are rebounding.
• There is no new allowable take for canary & yelloweye for 2005 & 06.
• Black & blue rockfish are on a slight decline. May hit harvest cap, in part because less salmon anticipated, and the >40 fathom sport closure will drive more anglers to the nearshore reefs.
Recreational Fishing – Possible tools for 05 / 06:
• Close “hot spots”
• Partial season closures
• Gear restrictions (i.e. # of hooks)
I did manage to convey some of our suggestions, such as:
• Allow a few days a week >40 fathoms June – Sept, instead of total closure; make these days up in the winter (Rod’s idea);
• Experimental gear / gear restrictions (such as max. weight of 6 – 12 ounces) to allow targeting of healthy stocks such as yellowtail, instead of total closure outside 40 f;
• Work with us on methods to reduce mortality of released reds, to allow for less restrictions to sportfishers.
Rod’s idea got a positive response. The ideas of experimental gear, and reducing mortality, got a “yea, we may be able to work with you.” But later, in a hallway conversation, Don & I got into more detail on this, and it turns out there are 2 people within ODFW who are working on this, and Don is going to connect us up. During the same conversation, a fellow from Oregon Sea Grant walks up and says “I’m doing research on ‘venting’ (releasing the air) swim bladders of canary & yelloweye; yes we’d like to work with you too.”
The presentation also disclosed that certain commercial sectors can still harvest yellowtail rockfish…salmon trollers as bycatch during the sport > 40 f closure. And open-access hook & line can target them outside of a certain depth…100 fathoms I think…during the sport closure. So I kept harping on this idea that they ought to allow sportfishers access to these abundant yellowtail in the deep water, if we can figure out a “program” where the bottom dwelling reds can be avoided. There is agreement that the experienced fisherfolks can do this (i.e. charter skippers and some private sportfishers), but “what about the other sportfishers? How are they going to gain the skill to target yellowtail but not canary & yelloweye?” Community outreach?
Finally, following are some copies of the paper handouts. Might not be too legible, but it’s all I have. Note all the new assessments being planned.
It was nice to see John Holloway & Rich Oba. Also got to chat with Lars from Depoe. All & all a worthwhile trip. The ride home across 20 was dreadful…even hailed for a while.
[ 02-27-2004, 04:02 PM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]
Mark Mc
Results from 2/26 Newport ODFW Mtg
Linear Mode
