ODFW News: Coho Recovery Discussion in Yachats

[Pete]

For immediate release, Monday, May 2, 2005

Stakeholder group to discuss coho recovery in Yachats

SALEM - Oregon's Coastal Coho stakeholder group will meet May 9 in Yachats to continue its work, helping state and federal agencies shape a conservation plan for coastal coho salmon.

The stakeholder team advises both the State of Oregon and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) on the Coastal Coho Project. Members of the team represent fish conservation, fishing, private land, timber, agricultural, tribal and other interests.

The meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Adobe Resort, 1555 Hwy 101. A public comment period is scheduled at 3 p.m. The group will discuss Oregon's current fish-management strategy and offer input as officials work to craft future coho conservation efforts.

"The salmon represent our quality of life, health and well-being in Oregon," said Lincoln County Commissioner and stakeholder team member Terry Thompson, at last month's meeting in Cannon Beach. "The recovery of salmon shows our ability to work together and recover other species as well."

The state of Oregon and the National Marine Fisheries Service began a collaborative project last year to address the conservation of coastal coho. The objectives of the project are to:

* Assess the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds effort to conserve and rebuild coastal coho populations.

* Use the assessment to assist NOAA Fisheries with a status review.

* Use the assessment as a basis to seek legal assurances for local participants.

* Use the assessment as a foundation for developing a conservation plan for coho.

More information of the Coastal Coho Project and the stakeholder team can be found at www.oregon-plan.org .

Reasonable accommodations are provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the ODFW Director's Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.