[ODFW-News] Commercial urchin permits available

[ODFW News]

For immediate release Wednesday, March 8, 2006
 
Commercial urchin permits available
 
SALEM - The Department of Fish and Wildlife today announced an April 28
lottery to award two commercial sea urchin permits.

The commercial sea urchin fishery in Oregon is limited to 30 permits.
When the number of permits falls below 30, ODFW holds a lottery to bring
the number back up to 30. Two permits currently are available. 

Sea urchins are harvested, processed and packed in Oregon and shipped to
markets in Japan and elsewhere as urchin roe, or "uni," a common item
found in sushi restaurants. Sea urchins were first harvested in Oregon
at Port Orford in 1986. Landings quickly escalated and peaked at 9.3
million pounds in 1994. 

"The urchin fishery in Oregon is managed primarily by size, similar to
crabs," said Scott Groth, ODFW shellfish biologist. "This allows urchins
multiple reproductive chances before they are harvested."

Red urchins must be 3 1/2 inches or larger in shell diameter (not
including spines). Purple urchins must be 2 inches or larger in shell
diameter.

Permit applicants must be at least 18 years old, and may not apply if
they currently hold a permit. Only one application per individual will
be accepted. Applications must be received in the Salem office only or
postmarked no later than April 15.

Applications are available from the Salem office only, and applications
will be mailed upon request. There is a $75 fee to apply. The fee will
go toward the permit cost if the applicant is successful. Unsuccessful
applicant fees are refunded. Successful applicants will be required to
purchase a personal commercial license within 30 days. Individual
commercial licenses cost $50 for residents and $190 for nonresidents.

To retain a permit the fisher must make landings in the prior year. If
there are no landings and the permit has not been transferred, the
permit reverts to the state. 

For more information on applying for a permit please contact ODFW's
licensing services, 3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97303 or call (503)
947-6101 or (800) 720-6339 ext. 76112.
 
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