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Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife Starts Mandatory Boat Checks To Stop Aquatic Invasive Species

OLYMPIA, WA -(FishNLand.com)- Starting Memorial Day weekend, boaters heading to Washington waterways may encounter new mandatory stops by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to check for aquatic invasive species.

The long-planned emphasis patrol, which will take place throughout the summer, coincides with the recent seizure of a boat in Spokane contaminated with quagga mussels from Nevada’s Lake Mead. A multi-state tracking effort and tips from alert citizens led to the seizure by WDFW enforcement officers.

The 24-foot boat has been decontaminated to avoid the spread of the tiny non-native mollusks, which are prohibited in Washington to protect native fish and wildlife and water systems.

“These invasive mussels, first found in Lake Mead in 2007, have already spread to other waterways in several western states, and continue to move closer to Washington every year,” said Allen Pleus, WDFW aquatic invasive species coordinator. “That’s a big concern, because if they get into our waters, they will likely spread rapidly and cause much damage.”

Importation of aquatic invasive species is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to a year in jail. Knowingly bringing such species into Washington is a felony and can result in even greater fines and jail time.

The Spokane case is still under investigation and no charges have been filed, said Sergeant Eric Anderson, WDFW aquatic invasive species enforcement coordinator.

“To avoid more close calls like this, our enforcement emphasis this year will be to conduct random, mandatory road stops of people hauling any size boat,” Anderson said.

Since Washington passed a law in 2002 prohibiting importation of aquatic invasive species, WDFW, in cooperation with the Washington State Patrol, has mainly worked to inspect commercially hauled watercraft at the state’s port of entry weigh stations. But that only stopped a handful of very large vessels, Anderson said.

“In the last few years we’ve conducted more periodic vessel inspections during fishing seasons at our water access sites where information about these species is posted,” Anderson said. “Now we’re moving to an even more aggressive enforcement effort. Boats found with banned species could be seized for decontamination.”

Recreational boaters and anglers should always carefully inspect and clean their boats and equipment before moving their vessels from one body of water to another, Pleus said.

“Boat owners must take responsibility for their vessels if Washington is going to be successful at keeping aquatic invasive species from spreading to state waters,” Pleus said.

Once established, non-native mussels and other aquatic invasive species can multiply quickly and threaten native fish and wildlife by consuming available food and smothering other species. They spread by attaching to boats or other water-based equipment, and clog water-intake systems at power plants, irrigation districts, public water suppliers, and other facilities.

“If these species become established in the Columbia River system it could result in billions of dollars of economic damage to everything from hydro-electric dams to municipal water systems and put further strain on ESA-listed species that live there,” Pleus said.

Zebra and quagga mussels are native to the Caspian Sea. They entered the Great Lakes in the mid 1980s in ship ballast water, and have since spread to more than 20 states, including California, Colorado, Nevada and Utah, and two Canadian provinces. Both zebra and quagga mussels are easily transported on boats and trailers because they can live out of water for up to a month.

For more information on all aquatic invasive species, visit WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/ans/index.htm .

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WDFW Schedules Workshop On Revisions To Puget Sound Chinook Fisheries Management Plan

OLYMPIA, WA -(FishNLand.com)- State fishery managers will hold a public workshop May 20 in Edmonds to discuss efforts to update the federally approved fisheries plan that guides conservation of Puget Sound chinook salmon throughout their range.

The workshop, sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), will begin at 9 a.m. at the Edmonds City Hall, 121 Fifth Ave. North.

“This workshop is designed to promote public awareness of the plan and facilitate an exchange of ideas about possible updates to reflect current conditions,” said Phil Anderson, WDFW interim director.

The current plan - set to expire next April - defines conservation goals for state and tribal fisheries that catch Puget Sound chinook salmon, which are listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.  Under that law, no fisheries affecting Puget Sound chinook can occur without a conservation plan approved by NOAA Fisheries.

The current Puget Sound Chinook Harvest Management Plan is posted on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/papers/ps_chinook_management/harvest/index.htm

To bring the plan up to date, Anderson said fishery managers are considering changes that would address:

The development and implementation of the Puget Sound recovery plan for chinook salmon.
The effects of hatchery-reform efforts in Puget Sound that effect the number of hatchery-reared salmon on the spawning grounds.
The close connection between salmon productivity and the availability of spawning and rearing habitat.
The need to provide additional protection for chronically depressed runs of wild salmon.
Changes in fisheries, including those resulting from the Pacific Salmon Treaty approved last year by the United States and Canada.
The effect of salmon-management strategies on other federally protected species, such as orcas and rockfish.
The workshop will include presentations by WDFW staff members.  The department also plans to schedule a follow-up panel discussion among outside experts in fisheries, hatchery management, environmental issues and other disciplines in early June.

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Fishing Closure For Kress Lake Safety Day Event

Olympia, WA -(FishNLand.com)- WDFW Announces Fishing Closure For Kress Lake Safety Day Event

Action: Close Kress Lake to fishing by the public for two days.

Effective Dates:

May 15 - 12:01 a.m., entire lake closed to public fishing
May 16 - Lake closed to public fishing until 6:00 p.m. - the lake is open for juvenile anglers participating in the Safety Day Event from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.

Location: Kress Lake is located near Kalama, Washington in Cowlitz County. Kress Lake is owned by The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Reason for action: This rule change is necessary to assure a safe and successful event. The reason for closing the lake is to ensure safety for the public as well as the event participants. There is expected to be over 600 people participating in the Safety Day program.

Boats will be used for teaching safety classes to kids and adults. Closing the lake will alleviate any boat traffic from anglers.

Other Information: This is the fifth year the event has been held. The public is welcome to attend.

Information Contact: John Weinheimer, District 9 Fish Biologist, (360)906-6746

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

About:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The department operates under a dual mandate from the Washington Legislature to:

* Protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats.
* Provide sustainable, fish- and wildlife-related recreational and commercial opportunities.

Department policy is guided by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission composed of nine citizen members appointed by the Governor. Department operations are led by a Director and an Executive Management Team. The Director is appointed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The department is headquartered in Olympia and operates six regional offices throughout the state.

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