[ODFW-News] Commission sets ODFW direction for Columbia River sturgeon

[ODFW News]

For Immediate Release Friday, Dec. 02, 2005
 
Commission sets ODFW direction for Columbia River sturgeon 
 
SALEM - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today directed state
fisheries managers to focus on a series of provisions as they prepare to
enter Columbia River sturgeon management discussions with counterparts
in Washington. 
 
Oregon and Washington have co-managed Columbia River sturgeon under
formal accords since 1996. The accords are reauthorized by the
respective commissions every three years. The current accord expires at
the end of 2005. 
 
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is the policy making body for
fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets
monthly.
 
Specific recommendations supported by the Commission included:

* Retain basic management objectives from the 2003-2005 accord.
* Craft a three-year accord, with provisions to renegotiate if
significant new information becomes available.
* Adopt an annual harvest guideline of 40,000 fish for 2006. Refine the
guideline as new population data becomes available.
* Maintain the sport/commercial allocation of 80% / 20%, and the
existing estuary / non-estuary split of 60% / 40%.
* Maintain the broodstock sanctuary below Bonneville Dam. 
* Create a broodstock sanctuary from McNary Dam to the Highway 395
bridge. 
* Maintain the total length measurement convention. 
 
ODFW fisheries managers will meet with Washington managers Dec. 15 to
begin crafting 2006 sturgeon angling seasons.
 
The next regular meeting of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is
Jan. 6 in Salem. 
 
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