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News
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Federal Hatchery Funding & Pacific Salmon Treaty Funding Pass
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More positive news is coming out of Washington D.C. as U.S. Representatives Jamie Herrera-Beutler and Derek Kilmer secured $30 million to implement the newly ratified Pacific Salmon Treaty and $25 million to support Mitchell Act hatchery activities, an over $4 million increase.
$30,000,000 was secured in funding to address the recommendations outlined in the Pacific Salmon Commission's plan to implement the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Signed by Canada and the United States in 1985, the Treaty provides a framework for the two countries to cooperatively manage Pacific salmon stocks focused on protecting and expanding spawning habitat, increasing hatchery production, and implementing conservation measures to prevent overfishing and maximize production. Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission Chair Larry Carpenter recently sent a letter to Washington's Federal Delegation requesting this funding, noting support from a broad spectrum of organizations, including CCA Washington.
$25,000,000 in funding was secured for Mitchell Act hatchery activities, which enable federal agencies to work with Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to operate hatcheries and fish passage facilities. The goal is to improve declining salmon runs in the Columbia River System to maintain economically viable fisheries and provide prey for Southern Resident killer whales. |
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North of Falcon Process Challenged in Court
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Earlier this month, the Twin Harbors Fish & Wildlife Advocacy (THFWA), a nonprofit organization based in Grays Harbor, filed a legal challenge in Thurston County Superior Court to the procedures used by WDFW to set salmon seasons in Washington. The petition claims that this process violates the Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA) and the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).
In a recent news release, the THFWA states "Fish runs are declining, conservation standards are left ignored, and ESA designation hangs over the state's head as the Department continues to destroy the public's confidence in the agency. Clearly, the Department is 'in a state of denial' and it will require intervention by the courts to protect the resource and the public's interest."
The lawsuit took another step forward last week when the court granted two motions requested by THFWA. This means that the case is set to move forward and the NOF process will finally get the public review it so richly deserves. It appears that WDFW's last ditch efforts to continue blocking the public from this important process will be unsuccessful.
CCA, along with many other organizations, have repeatedly raised objections about this broken process. It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that it requires legal action in order to compel WDFW to address the concerns and complaints that have long been expressed by their constituents.
"We are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this process and are determining how we can best support THFWA in their quest to create a more open and transparent North of Falcon process," said Nello Picinich, Executive Director of CCA Washington.
Additional details about this lawsuit can be found on THFWA's website. |
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Volunteer Opportunity - CCA Oyster Planting Events This Month
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CCA National's habitat arm, the Building Conservation Trust, has once again contributed funding to support the oyster seed planting program at both Kopachuck & Penrose State Parks in South Puget Sound. CCA members have been working with WDFW, Pierce County, and other organizations to coordinate the planting events, and we need volunteers to help make these plantings a success.
Oysters play a vital role in the ecology of Puget Sound, helping to improve water quality while also providing habitat for juvenile salmonids. Additionally, these plantings will create recreational oyster harvest opportunity in the years to come.
The dates for the approximately 4-hour long planting events are:
What to bring:
- Rubber gloves;
- Rubber boots or tennis shoes if you're okay with wet wading;
- A small knife to help cut bags of oyster shells open;
- Discover Pass for State Park parking.
Contact Joe Slepski, CCA Sea Tac chapter President at (425) 433-8155 with any questions on volunteering at these events. |
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Sportfishing Leaders Speak Out Against Gillnetting in DC
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In early May, sportfishing industry leaders and conservationists spoke out against indiscriminate gill nets during a legislative hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.
Industry representatives and CCA members testified in support of the bipartisan Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act (H.R. 1979), which is supported by CCA, the American Sportfishing Association, and countless other organizations. H.R. 1979 would align federal law with California state law and modernize the swordfish fishery by phasing out mile-long drift gill nets that contribute to significant bycatch. If you haven't already, take action and let legislators know that gill nets have to go! |
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CCA Derby Season is Fast Approaching
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CCA Washington will be hosting two exciting fishing derbies in July, with great prizes, quality fishing, and loads of fun for participants. We will be hosting the Summer Steelhead Challenge (Kalama) and the Baker Lake Sockeye Shootout. For online entries or more information, visit our CCA Washington STAR Tournament Series webpage.
Summer Steelhead Challenge
Our 7th Annual Summer Steelhead Challenge is scheduled for July 19-21 with weigh-in stations at the Port of Kalama and the Willow Grove boat launch in Longview. The derby, coordinated by the CCA Lower Columbia chapter, offers a variety of prize categories, exciting angling on the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries, and prime tides. The past few years have seen many prize-winning fish come from local tributaries, and participants are encouraged to pursue more abundant hatchery fish in those watersheds.
Baker Lake Sockeye Shootout
The 4th Annual Baker Lake Sockeye Shootout will be held during the July 26-28 weekend and is hosted by the CCA North Sound chapter. One of the most scenic places in the entire state, Baker Lake provides a family friendly fishery that doesn't require a big boat or sophisticated fishing gear. This is an ideal opportunity to win prizes while participating in one of Washington's most consistent salmon fisheries.
After receiving feedback from past entrants, the derby prize categories have been revised, and the grand prize is now designated for the largest fish caught. We have a Scotty Electric Downrigger for the "Average Fish" category too. This derby is limited to 100 entrants and tickets are already being sold, so don't wait to register! |
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CCA Washington Members Win Offshore World Championship
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In April, a team comprised of CCA Washington members won the 2019 Costa Offshore World Championship angling tournament in Costa Rica. This exclusive tournament is only open to winners of select saltwater tournaments around the world, with the CCA members earning their entry as champions of the 2018 Oregon Tuna Classic.
Team members Matt Olson, Matt Rowland, Stan Brogdon, Dan Sullivan, and Erik Nelson Jutila combined to catch and release 29 billfish over the four-day tournament. The team had limited billfish experience, but that didn't deter them from taking home the first-place trophy. Congrats to our incredible champions, and thanks for representing CCA and our nation so impressively. |
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2019 CCA Washington Banquets
May 30 • North Olympic Peninsula (Sequim)
May 31 • Yakima (Selah)
June 7 • Inland Empire (Spokane)
June 21 • Sno King (Woodinville)
September 20 • Lower Columbia (Longview)
September 27 • Capitol City (Lacey)
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CHECK US OUT
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