Sardine Fishing Seasons and Regulations
ODFW News
Odfw.News@STATE.OR.US
Mon, 16 Dec 2002 14:09:34 -0800
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife =20
Contact: Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356=20
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us Fax: (503) 872-5700
=20
=20
For Immediate Release Friday, December 13, 2002
=20
Commission Adopts 2003 Groundfish, Halibut and Sardine Fishing Seasons and =
Regulations=20
=20
EUGENE - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Friday adopted sport and =
commercial rules for 2003 for groundfish, halibut and sardine fishing =
seasons within state waters that are slightly more restrictive than 2002 =
regulations. However, the Commission may make harvest reductions in March =
based on the results of public input.
=20
The rules mimic those adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in =
November for the area between three and 200 miles off shore. PFMC rules =
are implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) via =
federal rules. The decision to limit the harvest was based on an earlier =
designation by NMFS that canary, yelloweye and darkblotched rockfish are =
overfished. Commercial harvest of fresh and live rockfish, cabezon and =
greenling has increased in recent years due to market demand. Complicating =
matters is the lack of biological data on many groundfish species, some of =
which have life spans up to 100 years and older.=20
=20
The Commission is the rule-making body for the Oregon Department of Fish =
and Wildlife.=20
=20
The Commission adopted Friday a 2004 commercial and recreational nearshore =
harvest cap at the level of harvest recorded in the year 2000. The =
Commission will revisit issues related to nearshore groundfish harvest =
caps in February, 2003, when the seven-member panel takes public testimony =
on proposals to reduce harvest levels beyond those adopted Friday. The =
reduction being considered is to reduce the harvest beyond the year 2000 =
harvest levels. The Commission asked ODFW staff to review options for a 20 =
percent reduction from the levels adopted Friday. A decision is expected =
in March, 2003.=20
=20
The Commission adopted the following rules:=20
=20
2003 Sport Groundfish and Halibut Rules:
- Lingcod: Increased the daily bag limit to two fish with a minimum size =
of 24 inches.
- Other marine finfish: Ten fish daily bag limit (which includes cabezon =
and greenling), which may include no more than one canary rockfish, one =
yelloweye rockfish and one halibut 32 inches or longer.
- Cabezon: Minimum size for recreational catches is 15 inches. The =
Commission intends to increase this to 16 inches for the 2004 season to =
match the 16-inch commercial minimum size adopted for the 2003 season. The =
recreational size increase was delayed because the 2003 sport regulation =
books have been printed. =20
- Halibut: Must be harvested during authorized seasons. Flexibility was =
added to pre-season and in-season quota transfers to allow more uniform =
seasons coast wide. Anglers must harvest the first halibut landed longer =
than 32 inches. In addition, anglers may not retain yelloweye or canary =
rockfish during the all-depth Pacific halibut seasons if halibut are on =
board the vessel.=20
- Other than halibut, the sport season is Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2003.
=20
2003 Commercial Rules:
- Adopted PFMC's rules for trip limits, gear restrictions and fish size =
limits.
- Fixed-gear must fish deeper than 100 fathoms.
- On-bottom groundfish trawl gear (foot-ropes) are banned from restricted =
fishing areas during specific time periods. In most months, boats are =
restricted to trawl outside of 100 to 250 fathoms. In July and August, =
groundfish may only be harvested outside of 75 and 250 fathoms. Petrale =
sole harvest is allowed in some designated areas of the restricted area =
January-February and November-December.
- In mid-year, a federal vessel monitoring system requirement is scheduled =
to be implemented by the federal government to track vessel activity in =
restricted areas.=20
- The harvest of sardines will be limited to 110,908 from the California =
to Washington coasts in 2003 metric tons compared to 118,442 metric tons =
in 2004. The Oregon sardine fishery has increased drastically since 1999 =
from 775 metric tons to about 22,700 metric tons in 2002.
=20
Options for 2003 Sport Sturgeon Season Outlined; Decision Due in January
=20
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission heard Friday the specifics of five =
options to govern sport sturgeon season in the Columbia River for =
2003-2005. A final decision is expected January at a meeting of the =
Columbia River Compact.
=20
Each of the options were created to meet three objectives: 1) Minimize the =
need for in-season action, 2) Balance the catch between the estuary and =
non-estuary (Longview to Bonneville Dam) fisheries, and 3) Maintain =
fishery monitoring and management capabilities.
=20
Fishery research indicates that the lower Columbia River legal size white =
sturgeon population experienced an annual 4 percent decline from 1996 to =
2001 due to an overestimate of fish abundance levels and an unforeseen =
drop in recruitment to the population. As a result, the allowed harvest =
guideline was set too high and the allowed sport harvest for 2003 must =
drop from last year's 40,000 fish total harvest to 32,000. =20
=20
Commission members said they were favoring option two or three, based on =
public testimony. However, the Commission delegated final negotiation and =
rule-making authority to the ODFW director.
=20
Option 2:
- Shifts season accounting from the calendar year to Oct. 1-Sept. 30.
- Retention prohibited Sundays and Mondays in October through mid July.
- Allows a 9.5-month continuous retention season.
- Projected catch split 51 percent (16,400 fish) to estuary harvest and 49 =
percent (15,600) to non-estuary, which does not maintain the fishery =
sharing average of the 1990s.
- Implements a block closure during popular salmon season.
- Increases sampling costs and management requirements.
=20
Option 3:
- Shifts season accounting from the calendar year to Oct. 1-Sept. 30.
- Retention prohibited Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in October through =
early August.
- Allows a 10-month continuous retention season.
- Projected catch split 56 percent (17,800 fish) to estuary harvest and 44 =
percent (14,200) to non-estuary, which approximates the fishery sharing =
average of the 1990s.
- Implements a block closure during popular salmon fishing period.
- Increases sampling costs and management requirements.
=20
=20
New Member Appointed to Fish Screening Task Force=20
=20
The Commission appointed Carol Bradford of Medford to the Fish Screening =
Task Force as the agricultural representative.=20
=20
=20
Commission to ask Legislature to Remove Sunset Clause for Access and =
Habitat Program
=20
The Commission decided Friday to ask the 2003 Oregon State Legislature to =
remove a legal clause that calls for the ending of a 10-year popular and =
successful program that provides public hunting access and pays for =
wildlife habitat improvements.
=20
In 1993, the Oregon Legislature created the Access and Habitat Program to =
generate revenue for private land projects to improve habitat, reduce =
damage to agricultural crops and increase hunter access. Most revenue is =
generated from a surcharge on hunting licenses. Private landowners apply =
for funds and approved projects receive grants.
=20
Since 1993, 245 projects have been completed. During the 1999-2001 =
biennium, the A&H program created 3.7 million acres of new hunting =
opportunities on private lands and more than 400,000 acres of private =
lands were improved to benefit fish, wildlife and watershed health. The =
two-year budget is about $1.2 million.=20
=20
Legally, the program will end on Dec. 31, 2003, unless the Legislature =
takes action.=20
=20
When first approved in 1993, the A&H program was slated to sunset in 1997. =
In 1997, the Legislature re-authorized the program through 2003. The =
Commission's action today requests the Legislature to remove any sunset =
clause from Oregon Revised Statutes.
=20
Commission's 2003 Meeting Schedule Approved=20
=20
The Commission gave its final approval Friday to the meeting schedule for =
2003. The seven-member panel meeting will meet in open session on the =
following dates and locations:
=20
-Friday, Jan. 10, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW headquarters;
-Friday, Feb. 7, 2003 in Portland in conjunction with the Sportsmen Show =
at the Expo Center;
-Friday, March 21, 2003 in Newport;
-Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW =
headquarters;
-Friday, May 9, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW headquarters;
-Friday, June 6, 2003 in Pendleton;
-Friday, July 11, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW headquarters;
-Friday, Aug. 8, 2003 in Astoria;
-Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13, 2003 in Portland;
-Friday, Oct. 10, 2003 in Roseburg;
-Friday, Nov. 7, 2003 in Salem at ODFW's new headquarters; and
-Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 in Salem at ODFW's new headquarters.
Information and Education Section
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528
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<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
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face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">For=20
Immediate Release<SPAN style=3D"mso-tab-count: 1"> F</SPAN>riday, =
December=20
13, 2002<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Commission=20
Adopts 2003 Groundfish, Halibut and Sardine Fishing Seasons and Regulations=
=20
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">EUGENE -=20
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Friday adopted sport and commercial=
=20
rules for 2003 for groundfish, halibut and sardine fishing seasons within =
state=20
waters that are slightly more restrictive than 2002 regulations. However, =
the=20
Commission may make harvest reductions in March based on the results of =
public=20
input.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The rules=20
mimic those adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in November =
for=20
the area between three and 200 miles off shore. PFMC rules are implemented =
by=20
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) via federal rules. The =
decision to=20
limit the harvest was based on an earlier designation by NMFS that =
canary,=20
yelloweye and darkblotched rockfish are overfished. Commercial harvest of =
fresh=20
and live rockfish, cabezon and greenling has increased in recent years due =
to=20
market demand. Complicating matters is the lack of biological data on =
many=20
groundfish species, some of which have life spans up to 100 years and =
older.=20
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The=20
Commission is the rule-making body for the Oregon Department of Fish =
and=20
Wildlife. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The=20
Commission adopted Friday a 2004 commercial and recreational nearshore =
harvest=20
cap at the level of harvest recorded in the year 2000. The Commission =
will=20
revisit issues related to nearshore groundfish harvest caps in February, =
2003,=20
when the seven-member panel takes public testimony on proposals to =
reduce=20
harvest levels beyond those adopted Friday. The reduction being considered =
is to=20
reduce the harvest beyond the year 2000 harvest levels. The Commission =
asked=20
ODFW staff to review options for a 20 percent reduction from the levels =
adopted=20
Friday. A decision is expected in March, 2003. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P=
>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The=20
Commission adopted the following rules: <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">2003 Sport=20
Groundfish and Halibut Rules:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Lingcod:=20
Increased the daily bag limit to two fish with a minimum size of 24=20
inches.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Other=20
marine finfish: Ten fish daily bag limit (which includes cabezon and =
greenling),=20
which may include no more than one canary rockfish, one yelloweye rockfish =
and=20
one halibut 32 inches or longer.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Cabezon:=20
Minimum size for recreational catches is 15 inches. The Commission intends =
to=20
increase this to 16 inches for the 2004 season to match the 16-inch =
commercial=20
minimum size adopted for the 2003 season. The recreational size increase =
was=20
delayed because the 2003 sport regulation books have been printed.<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></=
P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Halibut:=20
Must be harvested during authorized seasons. Flexibility was added to =
pre-season=20
and in-season quota transfers to allow more uniform seasons coast =
wide.<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Anglers must harvest the first =
halibut=20
landed longer than 32 inches. In addition, anglers may not retain =
yelloweye or=20
canary rockfish during the all-depth Pacific halibut seasons if halibut =
are on=20
board the vessel. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Other=20
than halibut, the sport season is Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,=20
2003.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">2003=20
Commercial Rules:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Adopted=20
PFMC's rules for trip limits, gear restrictions and fish size=20
limits.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Fixed-gear must fish deeper than 100 fathoms.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
On-bottom groundfish trawl gear (foot-ropes) are banned from restricted =
fishing=20
areas during specific time periods. In most months, boats are restricted =
to=20
trawl outside of 100 to 250 fathoms. In July and August, groundfish may =
only be=20
harvested outside of 75 and 250 fathoms. Petrale sole harvest is allowed =
in some=20
designated areas of the restricted area January-February and=20
November-December.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- In=20
mid-year, a federal vessel monitoring system requirement is scheduled to =
be=20
implemented by the federal government to track vessel activity in =
restricted=20
areas. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- The=20
harvest of sardines will be limited to 110,908 from the California to =
Washington=20
coasts in 2003 metric tons compared to 118,442 metric tons in 2004. The =
Oregon=20
sardine fishery has increased drastically since 1999 from 775 metric tons =
to=20
about 22,700 metric tons in 2002.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Options=20
for 2003 Sport Sturgeon Season Outlined; Decision Due in=20
January<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The Oregon=20
Fish and Wildlife Commission heard Friday the specifics of five options =
to=20
govern sport sturgeon season in the Columbia River for 2003-2005. A =
final=20
decision is expected January at a meeting of the Columbia River=20
Compact.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Each of=20
the options were created to meet three objectives: 1) Minimize the need =
for=20
in-season action, 2) Balance the catch between the estuary and non-estuary=
=20
(Longview to Bonneville Dam) fisheries, and 3) Maintain fishery monitoring =
and=20
management capabilities.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Fishery=20
research indicates that the lower Columbia River legal size white =
sturgeon=20
population experienced an annual 4 percent decline from 1996 to 2001 due =
to an=20
overestimate of fish abundance levels and an unforeseen drop in recruitment=
to=20
the population. As a result, the allowed harvest guideline was set too =
high and=20
the allowed sport harvest for 2003 must drop from last year's 40,000 fish =
total=20
harvest to 32,000.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =20
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Commission=20
members said they were favoring option two or three, based on public =
testimony.=20
However, the Commission delegated final negotiation and rule-making =
authority to=20
the ODFW director.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Option=20
2:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Shifts=20
season accounting from the calendar year to Oct. 1-Sept.=20
30.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Retention prohibited Sundays and Mondays in October through mid=20
July.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Allows a=20
9.5-month continuous retention season.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Projected catch split 51 percent (16,400 fish) to estuary harvest and 49 =
percent=20
(15,600) to non-estuary, which does not maintain the fishery sharing =
average of=20
the 1990s.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Implements a block closure during popular salmon=20
season.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Increases sampling costs and management=20
requirements.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Option=20
3:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Shifts=20
season accounting from the calendar year to Oct. 1-Sept.=20
30.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Retention prohibited Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in October through =
early=20
August.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">- Allows a=20
10-month continuous retention season.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Projected catch split 56 percent (17,800 fish) to estuary harvest and 44 =
percent=20
(14,200) to non-estuary, which approximates the fishery sharing average of =
the=20
1990s.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Implements a block closure during popular salmon fishing=20
period.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-=20
Increases sampling costs and management=20
requirements.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">New Member=20
Appointed to Fish Screening Task Force <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The=20
Commission appointed Carol Bradford of Medford to the Fish Screening Task =
Force=20
as the agricultural representative. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Commission=20
to ask Legislature to Remove Sunset Clause for Access and Habitat=20
Program<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The=20
Commission decided Friday to ask the 2003 Oregon State Legislature to =
remove a=20
legal clause that calls for the ending of a 10-year popular and successful=
=20
program that provides public hunting access and pays for wildlife =
habitat=20
improvements.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">In 1993,=20
the Oregon Legislature created the Access and Habitat Program to =
generate=20
revenue for private land projects to improve habitat, reduce damage to=20
agricultural crops and increase hunter access. Most revenue is generated =
from a=20
surcharge on hunting licenses. Private landowners apply for funds and =
approved=20
projects receive grants.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Since=20
1993, 245 projects have been completed. During the 1999-2001 biennium, =
the=20
A&H program created 3.7 million acres of new hunting opportunities =
on=20
private lands and more than 400,000 acres of private lands were improved =
to=20
benefit fish, wildlife and watershed health. The two-year budget is about =
$1.2=20
million. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">Legally,=20
the program will end on Dec. 31, 2003, unless the Legislature takes =
action.=20
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">When first=20
approved in 1993, the A&H program was slated to sunset in 1997. In =
1997, the=20
Legislature re-authorized the program through 2003. The Commission's =
action=20
today requests the Legislature to remove any sunset clause from Oregon =
Revised=20
Statutes.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New">Commission's 2003 Meeting Schedule Approved=20
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">The=20
Commission gave its final approval Friday to the meeting schedule for =
2003. The=20
seven-member panel meeting will meet in open session on the following =
dates and=20
locations:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
Jan. 10, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW headquarters;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN=
></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
Feb. 7, 2003 in Portland in conjunction with the Sportsmen Show at the =
Expo=20
Center;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
March 21, 2003 in Newport;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
April 11, and Saturday, April 12, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW=20
headquarters;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
May 9, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW headquarters;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN><=
/P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
June 6, 2003 in Pendleton;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
July 11, 2003 in Portland at the ODFW headquarters;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN=
></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
Aug. 8, 2003 in Astoria;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13, 2003 in Portland;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN>=
</P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
Oct. 10, 2003 in Roseburg;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
Nov. 7, 2003 in Salem at ODFW's new headquarters;=20
and<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT face=3D"Courier =
New">-Friday,=20
Dec. 12, 2003 in Salem at ODFW's new headquarters.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoPlainText style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'"><FONT=20
face=3D"Courier New">Information and Education Section<BR>Oregon Department=
of=20
Fish and Wildlife<BR>(503) 872-5264 ext=20
5528<BR><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P></BODY></HTML>
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