Gov. Gregoire receives interim update regarding state�s salmon conservation plan

For Immediate Release: September 18, 2008

Department of Fish and Wildlife reports several programs, investments to protect fish populations

OLYMPIA � Washington�s Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), in its interim report to Gov. Chris Gregoire today, said it�s making significant strides to protect salmon populations.

In July, Gregoire asked the Fish and Wildlife Commission to look at what the WDFW is doing to promote salmon conservation. Gregoire asked for a final report by January, 2009.

In its interim report, WDFW reported today it has implemented nearly 800 hatchery improvements to benefit wild-fish recovery. WDFW is also:

• Developing a long-term schedule for hatchery reform that aligns hatchery programs with wild-fish recovery programs and the best science;
  
• Implementing hatchery reform in the lower Columbia River to bring fisheries there into compliance with the Endangered Species Act; and
  
• Mass marking nearly all the 30 million coho and 100 million Chinook raised in Washington�s hatcheries for selective fishery harvest..

�I appreciate the interim report provided by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. This is proof the agency is taking my request seriously, and it indicates real progress is being made,� Gov. Chris Gregoire said. �We have to have progress. Our Pacific salmon fisheries are struggling. Just yesterday, we received the announcement on the federal aid coming to the West Coast because of the collapse of this year's salmon season. And many of our salmon species are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.�

Selective fisheries across the state generated more than $63 million during the 2007-2008 fishing season. WDFW reports that it has prioritized Chinook and coho salmon in Puget Sound for recreational fishers. The agency is also using an economic consultant to further assess the economic benefits of all Washington fisheries.

"Clearly, salmon play a vital role in the state's economy,� Gregoire said. �I asked that this report focus on the statewide economic benefits of our fisheries, as well as on the economic benefits provided to those rural and coastal communities that are particularly dependent on our fisheries."

WDFW is also exploring ways to increase awareness of Washington as a fishing destination, and is working with the Fish and Wildlife Commission to suggest ways to promote new fishing opportunities in Washington. The agencies will include detailed ideas in its final January report.

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