ODFW REFUSES TO JOIN WASHINGTON IN PROTECTING COLUMBIA RIVER SALMON AND STEELHEAD

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Commission refused to adopt a barbless hook regulation to maximize protection of wild salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River. Even though the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife did adopt a barbless hook regulation for sport fisheries, the rule could not be implemented because of the ODFW opposition.

WDFW Director Phil Anderson said the prospect of having incompatible fishing regulations on a portion of the Columbia River jointly managed by the two states prompted him to delay the barbless rule for at least a year.

"Among all western states including the province of British Columbia, Canada, Oregon is unique in its opposition to requiring barbless hooks in sport fisheries to reduce harm and maximize survival of wild salmonids caught in fisheries targeting hatchery fish," said Bill Bakke of the Native Fish Society.

"The Native Fish Society has compiled data on the conservation benefits of barbless hooks for the ODFW, but the agency has decided to ignore the best available science in its management," said Bakke.

"The two states have worked together for nearly a hundred years to avoid conflicting fishing regulations that would create confusion for anglers on the Columbia River," Anderson said. "Delaying the barbless rule is disappointing, but we're going to continue to pursue it."

Anderson said barbless hooks, knotless nets and careful handling of released fish are all ways that anglers can contribute to recovery of wild salmon and steelhead runs in the Columbia River.

"Anything we can do to rebuild wild runs will ultimately help maintain or expand fishing opportunities for hatchery fish," Anderson said. "We hope that all anglers will get behind that idea and voluntarily switch to barbless hooks."