Columbia River Gillnetter; Vol. 34 No. 2: Fall 2003

36 Pages·2003·7.1 MB·English

by  Columbia River Fishermen's Protective Union

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Columbia River Fishermen’s Protective Union
www.crfpu.org
1945
This photo shows a view of the CRPA (later Castle and Cook) Elmore cannery. It was located where the Astoria Warehousing is
today-about the same distance above the Astoria Megler bridge as the Union cannery plant was below. Elmore cannery was key
to the salmon and tuna packing industry in Astoria for many years.
ce. Sally the Salmon running... and running...
Salmon Says. et The return of fall chinook at Bonneville Dam is the highest ever, and scientists have
varying ideas for why that might be.
“Why do some September 2003 turned out to be a Columbia River Fall Chinook Salmon migration
salmon develop record setting month. The movement of the run upriver over the hydroelectric dams
has far surpassed the early season biologist predictions. 4 days in a row in the middle
hooked noses? They of the month over 40,000 chinook passed the ladders of Bonneville Dam, each day
bumped into dams better than the previous daily all time record.
when they were Weather cycles, ocean productivity brought about by upwelling, and other factors
young.” including the river salmon recover efforts. Our BPA investments for fish in the
hydropower system and tributary headwaters is perhaps finally paying off. However we
must be careful about making premature judgements.
Articles in this issu e: Interview with Gary Soderstom, More Record Fish Counts, Anchor find offers biggest clue to the fate
of the Tonquin, Brownsport Remem bered, Columbia River Dredging at the botton of the list, Dams leaking Oil...
Also, join us on the web: Discover our w eb site at www.crfpu.org where, in addition to the articles of this issue, you will
find more news articles and old photogra phs as well.
COLU!
Bk Columbia Rivet_Gillneter L Official Publication of the
Columbia River Fishermen’s Protective Union
One of the oldest Conservation Unions on the West Coast
One of the Oldest Conservation Unions
on the West Coast—Since 1884 Incorporated in 1884
P. O. Box 627, Astoria, Oregon 97103
EDITOR Jon Westerholm
93798 Jackson Rd, Astoria, OR 97103 Jon Westerholm, Editor - Phone [phone]
503/458-6518
Foreword
CONSULTING EDITOR Don Riswick
P. O. Box 511, Astoria, OR 97103
This paper is being published for the express purpose of keeping the public
503/325-2507
and the fishermen informed of the true facts and happenings in regard to
PRESIDENT
the Columbia River Fishing Industry and all people connected with it. The
Gary Soderstrom
22665 Cedar Grove Rd, Clatskanie, OR 97016 advertisements which appear within make it financially possible to publish
360/430-3317 this paper and we hope you will in return patronize and thank the business
people who contributed to this cause. Anyone who wishes to contribute
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Alan Takalo articles, pictures stories, or ads, please contact the editor at P. O. Box 627,
93491 Aldrich Point Rd, Astoria, OR Astoria, OR 97103 or call [phone]
97103
503/458-6654 Help Support the
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Bruce Crookshanks
8542 Elderberry SW, Rochester, WA 98579 Columbia River Gillnetter Publication!
|T he Columbia River Gillnetter is the only remaining publication on the west coast
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Jack Marincovich
37712 Parker Lane, Astoria, OR 97103 devoted exclusively to gillnetting. We have been making a difference for
503/325-2504
34 years, but our continued existence is threatened by increasing
production and mailing costs. Now more
CRFPU Board of Directors
than ever, we need a voice to represent
DISTRICT 1
Ralph Ennis our side otfh e issue, and the Gillnetter is an
14141 NE San Rafel, Portland, OR 97230
important contact with fishermen,
503/253-1559
lawmakers and the general public.
Vern Forsberg
28811 NW Main, Ridgefield, WA 98642 If you would like to help, send donations to
360/887-4089
DISTRICTS 2, 3 The following individuals have made a cash contribution to the
Jack Fowler
6349 Willow Grove, Longview, WA 98632 Columbia River Gillnetter Publication, which will be used to help continue
360/425-4662 the publication and mailing of this free informational newspaper.
We thank them for their support!
DISTRICT 4
April 2003 — November 2003
John Kallunki, Director
79806 Blackford Road, Clatskanie, OR 97016
503/284551 Max Jensen & Deena, Walla Walla-WA Clayton Shaw, Corvallis-OR
Greg Mustola Viola Williams, Beaverton-OR Milt & Carolyn Doumit, Cathlamet-WA
80190 Alston Mayger Road, Clatskanie, OR
97016 503/728-2248 Ed Feary, Astoria-OR Fred Antilla, Astoria-OR
Jeff Lumijarvi Louis Sullivan, Astoria-OR Luke Zankich, Seattle-WA
Post Office Box 606, Clatskanie, OR 97016 Lucille Perkins, Warren-OR
Ellen Washburn, Front Royal-VA
503/728-2841
Mark lhander, Astoria-OR Gordon Wolfgram, Astoria-OR
DKIeSntT RMIaCrTti n 5 William Opanen, Astoria-OR Robert Conyers, St. Louis-MO
PO Box 82, Skamokawa, WA 98647 Harold Stenspud, Hermiston-OR Don Goodall, Lake City-FL
360/795-3920
Betty Olvey, Astoria-OR Marilyn Gudmunsen, Rosburg-WA
DISTRICT 6
Vacant Marvin Haglund, Portland-OR Barbara Beglaris, Astoria-OR
DISTRICT 7 Sam Soter, Portland-OR Dick Williams, Las Vegas-NV
Jon Westerholm Robert Smith, Portland-OR Ted Kallstrom, Ephrata-WA
93798 Jackson Rd., Astoria, OR 97103
503/458-6518 Herbert Johanson, Salem-OR Kaasla & Katherine Karna, Astoria-OR
Gerald Westerholm Roger Mc Manama, Seattle-WA Mike Abrahams, Astoria-OR
P. O. Box 2057053,/ 7G3e8a-r7h6a0r9t , OR 97138 Gladys Halsan, Astoria-OR Carl Pelle Meiier, Cathlamet-WA
DISTRICT 8
92146 Lewis & AC5bl0ab3ry/k3 2IR5hd-a.4,n8 d6Ae5srt oria, OR 97103 PTlheiass neop na-pmpearrok feiw ta,sy oswutera rdcteeodpn etnfrodirb uoytnoi uoran dsvb eerntteoif:z iitnC g3o 4la unymdeb aridsao n aagRtoii vonetsro hGteoil lpkl enkeeetpet pepr u,yb oluiP s.h iiOnn.fg o Braomnxed d o6mn2a 7i,lGi inlAlgsn tetothrti isa i,sns euweOssRl. etAt9se 7r1w.e0 3 are
GILLEETIN E R.
Join Your |
developing new Salmon Markets
and fish marketing techniques.
Fishermen and processors must
work, as cooperatively as Union —
possible, to counter-act the
fierce competition from foreign
acquaculture. More direct sales
to the consumer, emphasizing
CRFPU and the “Wild” and “Pacfic Ocean The CRFPU board has
raised,” is one example of what
GILLNETTER Publication authorized lessor membership |
can be done. The passage of HB
make changes 3094 in this years Oregon price of $100.00 or $50.00 per!
Legislative Session, the Direct
year for those who want to |
Sales 4 year Columbia River
As | am making the Involved move help out.
Salmon Pilot Program, gives
to the editorship of this
the individual Gillnetter the The yearly voting membership |
publication | can better realize
opportunity to do this.
and report the time and effort remains at $150.00. 1
that Past Editor-Publisher, Don
We are in the age of Scientific A Union card and receipt will !
Riswick put in 2 or 3 times a
Research with its many Biological be issued in each case. Send |
year, since 1969. He deserves a
Studies and Computer Modules.
huge amount of credit for Dues checks to:
Our fishery is, more and more,
developing and continuing this
being regulated by these new Jack Marincovich,
magazine, as the “voice of
methods and so we must act CRFPU 1
Gillnetters on the Columbia
accordingly and become a part of
River” and the organization that
it if we are to survive. It means P. O. Box 627
has represented Gillnetters for so
more participation and meeting Astoria, OR 97103 ;
many years, the “Columbia River
attendance as well as financial
}
Fishermen’s Protective Union.”
cooperation to be able to
}
continue to receive our historic PLEASE PAY YOUR DUES!
| will strive to continue Don's
right to a “Fair Share” of the 2
“Bulldog Tenacity” into the NOTICE |
resource.
man |
future, giving you the reader, a
historic and meaningful view of
As for our CRFPU office, we again
the Columbia River and the face a move, from our present a||= eO UR OFFICE IS CHARGED FOR'
fishing industry of Astoria and the location, as the Port of Astoria |E ACH ISSUE OF THE GILLNET-!
region. Don and | are working begins the new Convention ‘TER RETURNED TO US. IF YOU;
together, putting this Fall 2003
Center Project early next year. | HAVE CHANGED YOUR AD- |!
Edition together, and it should be
Down comes the Red Lion annex !D RESS. PLEASE FILL OUT THIS!
pointed out that Don’s wife, building, where we have been IF ORM AND RETURN IT TO US. 1
Dorothy, has been a very positive
located the Past 4 years, next
assist in this endeavor.
door to Salmon For All, since iName
moving from our longtime
'New Address
We need to give credit to our downtown Astoria location on
Computer/Layout technician as 10th street. A decision will be
well. Without Tom Wynn and his made at our annual meeting in
computer/journalistic expertise, early December as to where we
this publication would not be will move, a prime possibilty
possible. being the Port Office Building.
;State Zip
Our CRFPU organization is going Letters and comments to the
through some critical changes as Editor are welcome and
we-move further Into the 21st encouraged.
century. Certainly not the least ' Send to: Jon Westerholm, CRFPU,
important, is the necessity of Jon Westerholm, Editor 1 P.O. Box 627, Astoria, OR 97103 i
Left to Right: Alan Takalo, John Kallunki, Randy Anderson, Bruce Jolma, Gary Olson, Jon Westerholm, Abbie Ihander.
Front: Jack Marincovich. Photo by Don Riswick
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i
To the Editor
2003 CREPU Annual Meeting
2003 CRFPU Annual Meeting was held on Monday December 1st,
Ban farmed salmon at 10am at Humps Restaurant in Clatskanie.
In response to Michael Milstein’s CRFPU now has a new address: Post Office Box 627, Astoria, OR 97103.
article regarding farmed salmon,
“Seeds of fleet’s destruction” (The Discussion of the new location for the CRFPU office. Our present office, at
the Red Lion Inn Annex at the West-End Mooring Bassin will need to be
Oregonian, July 20), | say simply.
vacated before the end of the year as the building will be torn down in
Farmed salmon and aquaculture
need to be banned. preparation for the construction of the new Astoria Convention Center. The
Port of Astoria has space available at the Port headquarters.
More news on the move in the next issue.
The article contains blatant
propaganda and advertising for the
farmed salmon industry. Farmed eee SSS saaansnessssnaanenner essseusenes — scanssnnonn
salmon have been a disaster for the
consumer, the environment and local
| Luoma & Associates x
fishing communities.
Milstein adequately conveyed the
|
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
decline of the fishing communities.
However, to advocate for the
continued use of farmed salmon
ar
anywhere is unpardonable.
610 Eighteenth Street -Astoria, OR 97103
[phone] FAX [phone]
Purchase sustainably harvested
wild and hatchery salmon to support | 862 Broadway ‘Seaside, OR 97138
local fishing communities. Wild \ [phone] FAX [phone]
salmon support healthy rivers and ee
oceans, and communities. Farmed
salmon destroy wild salmon runs, FOR FURNITURE ¢A PPLIANCES 90
pollute ecosystems and endanger
MATTRESSES «E LECTRONICS 5
consumers.
REMEMBER... re ky
RICE
Farmed salmon prices have Happy Endings Begla w.. GU we
reduced the price for native, wild
salmon to 30 cents per pound. Local
fishermen cannot survive at these
low prices.
AL THIEME, Southeast Portland
Deadly Chinook runs on
Bonneville fish ladders
The fall chinook run at Bonneville
Dam was so large that some fish
were crushed to death on the
concrete fish ladders. More fall FISHERIES, Inc.
chinook fought their way over the
dam than ever before. During the
peak of the run, the one-day record Salmon for All Member
of 39,376 fall chinook set Sept 12, PROCESSOR OF FRESH & FROZEN SALMON
1987 was broken when over 45,884
fish passed in one day. ASTORIA
Bonneville Dam has a fish ladder on Foot of 4th & Water
each side of the Columbia River-one 503 325-5252
on the Oregon side and one on the FAX [phone]
Washington side.
CONCERNING THE 2003 FALL IN-RIVER COMMERCIAL HARVEST OF COLUMBIA RIVER FALL
CHINOOK SALMON, SUMMER STEELHEAD, COHO SALMON, CHUM SALMON, AND STURGEON
JuLy 16, 2003
THE COMPACT authority to adopt sport fishing (LRH), Lower River Wild (LRW),
The Columbia River Compact is seasons or rules, it is an inherent Bonneville Pool Hatchery (BPH.),
charged by congressional and responsibility of the Compact to Upriver Bright (URB), and
statutory authority to adopt seasons address the allocation of limited Mid-Columbia
and rules for Columbia River resources among users and this Bright (MCB). The LRH and BPH
commercial fisheries. In recent responsibility has become stocks are referred to as tules and
years, the Compact has consisted of increasingly demanding in recent the,
the Oregon and Washington agency years. The Compact can be expected LRW, URB and MCB stocks are
directors, or their delegates, acting to continue its conservative referred to as brights.
on behalf of the Oregon Fish and management strategy when Minor run,components include
Wildlife Commission (OFWC) and the considering fisheries that will impact Lower River Brights (LRB) and Select
Washington Fish and Wildlife listed salmon and steelhead. Area Brights (SAB).
Commission (WFWC). In addition, the The URB, BPH, and a portion of
Columbia River treaty tribes have Stock Description MCB chinook are produced above
authority to regulate treaty Indian Fall Chinook Bonneville Dam, and in
fisheries. Fall chinook generally enter the aggregate, comprise the upriver run,
When addressing commercial Columbia River from late July which is subject to treaty
seasons for salmon, steelhead, and through Indian/non-Indian allocation
sturgeon, the Compact must October; with abundance peaking in requirements. Most of the URB
consider the effect of the the lower river from mid-August to stocks are
commercial fishery on escapement, mid-September and passage at wild fish destined for Hanford Reach
treaty rights, and sport fisheries, as Bonneville Dampeaking in early section of
well as the impact on species listed September. Columbia River fall the Columbia River. Smaller URB
under the Endangered Species Act chinook are comprised of five major components are destined for the
(ESA). Although the Compact has no components: Lower River, Hatchery Deschutes, Snake, and Yakima rivers.
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905 Commercial St., Astoria, OR 97103
Phone: [phone]
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GILILNETTER.
Snake River Wild (SRW) fall chinook Bonneville Dam. In recent years
are a sub-component of the URB approximately one-third of the Ouyater Que
stock.
releases have occurred above
The lower river run is comprised, Bonneville
of LRH, LRW, MCB, LRB, and SAB Dam. Since 1970 adult coho returns Lose ont he Half Shell
stocks, which are produced below to the Columbia River have ranged
Bonneville Dam. The LRH stock is from a low of 74,000 in 1995 toa
currently produced from hatchery high of 1,527,800 in 1986. The Oysters have been touted for
facilities (five in Washington and one Columbia River coho return includes centuries as a powerful aphrodisiac.
in Oregon) while the LRW stock is both early and late segments with
naturally produced primarily in the commercial fisheries prior to Casanova credited the oyster with
Lewis River system, | with smaller mid-September landing primarily enhancing his prowess in the
components also present in the early stock, boudoir, and no Roman orgy was
Cowlitz and Sandy rivers. fisheries during mid-September complete without thousands of
SABs are a local hatchery stock through early October landing a
oysters on the half shell.
that originated from the Rogue River mixture
fall chinook, stock and are currently of early and late stock, and fisheries There is some scientific evidence to
released | from Klaskanine Hatchery occurring after early October landing support this long-standing belief.
on the North Fork Klaskanine River primarily late stock. Oysters are nature’s best food
and net pens located in Youngs Bay. Historic natural coho production
source of trace minerals (zinc, iron,
areas in Washington included the
phosphorous) which are believed to
2002 Returns Grays, Elokomin, Cowlitz, Toutle,
The total Columbia River fall Kalama, Lewis, and Washougal contribute to the efficiency of the
chinook adult return of 733,100 watersheds. sex glands.
adults in 2002 was the largest return In Oregon, Columbia River
since 1988 and tripled the 1991-1995 tributaries that were historic natural
Like many humans in today’s
average of 241,400 and more than coho production areas include the
doubled the recent 5-year average of Lewis and Clark, Youngs, Klaskanine, confusing world, the oyster just
338,200 Clatskanie, Clackamas, and Sandy can’t seem to find its sexual
rivers plus Big, Gnat, Beaver, Milton, identity. Pacific oysters usually
2003 Forecast and Scappoose creeks.
begin life as males, make the switch
The forecasted total Adult return
to females after the first year, and
of fall chinook in 2003 of 595,200 Returns
adults is a decrease from last year’s The 2002 Columbia River coho later some again change back to the
near record return of 733,100 return of 510,700 adults was male. The Eastern oyster is even
[Editor’s Note: Actual figures show comprised of 278,100 early stock fish
more ficle and may change sex
forcast short] and 232,600 late stock fish.
continuously, even several times in a
Stock Description 2003 Forecast single year.
Coho The projected 2003 Columbia
Columbia River coho return River mouth return, following
At the extreme edge of this
primarily to Oregon and Washington expected ocean fisheries, is 429,000
category is German love doctor
hatcheries downstream from adults, which includes 271,500 early
Bonneville Dam with some hatchery stock and 157,500 late stock. Dieter Altmenstaag, who, according
production destined for above [Editor’s Note: Actual figures] to the “Star,” uses an oyster bath
therapy to cure impotence and rev
Ophthalmology and Neurology Associates, P.C. up sagging sex drives. The doctor is
said to have treated 217 men who
( AE DIE Y. GLANTZ, M.D. DANIEL §. GLANTZ, M.D.| ~~
lost their knack in the sack, and
Neurology Physician Eye Physician & Surgeon
every single one of them has come
Board Certified Board Certified
away ready for action. Dr.
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosgjs ¢ Pre-op, Surgery & Post-o
* Headaches & Migraines isc areB ye Glantz Altmenstaag said zinc from the
* Cataract Surgery
* Numbness & Tingling oysters is absorbed directly through
* Epilepsy * Alzheimer’s * Glaucoma Laser & Surgery
* Diabetic Exams & Laser the skin and becomes a powerful
* Multiple Sclerosis
* Parkinson’s * Dry Eye Treatment stimulant in the treatment of sexual
* Back & Neck Pain
disfunction. (The formula: two
503 338-3803
quarts of raw oyster meats into a
2055 Exchange, Suite 230 ~ ASTORIA ~ www.onapc.com
bathtub of hot water)...
GOLU! MBIA RIVER
SPRING CHINOOK
“FAIR SHARE"
RETURNS IN 2004
Report on 2004 Spring Salmon Project
An early meeting was held at the LOOK STRONG
By Jack Marincovich,
request of the compact so they can
Executive Secretary, C.R.F.P.U.
toss around all these ideas in a bag
Strong spring chinook salmon runs
and try to come up with a plan by the
Looking ahead to the 2004 Spring
are anticipated back to the upper
end of the year.
Salmon Fishery the question is “How
Columbia and Willamette rivers in
are we going to get at least close toa The next meeting is set for November 2004, leaving state officials with the
fair share of the allowable harvest?”
12th, 6:00p.m. at Cowlitz PUD in task of determining how to split the
catch between sport and commercial
We have already attended a number of Longview, WA.
fishermen.
meetings with the Compact people
Management Guidelines must be Steve King, Oregon’s salmon
from Oregon and Washington. The last
changed if we are to get our fair share manager, said Preliminary 2004
meeting we attended included Sport
of the Spring Salmon. estimates are for 250,000 upriver
and Commercial Fisherman. The
Columbia springers and 90,000 into the
representatives for the Sport Fishing
The 2% impact should be split 50-50 Willamette River.
still think they should be allowed to
fish seven days a week. They also want instead of 70% sport and 30% That’s higher than this year’s
the Commercial fishermen off the river commercial. Columbia run of about 200,000 anda
little lower than the Willamette’s
by the first of April.
The long term loss calculation which 100,000-plus fish.
We Suggested Sports Fishing on Friday, has been determined to be 50% with More specific forecasts will be
large mesh, and 25% with tooth net is prepared and released in November
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and
Commercial Fishing on Tuesday, the most unfair part of the and December. It marks the fifth
Wednesday and Thursday. We also Management Plan. straight year of good returns to the
upper Columbia, a run that dwindled
asked for some night fishing.
These Changes must be Made if the to as low as 10,200 in 1995.
It appears that the same type of gear Commercial Fisherman is to get His A two-year, sport-commercial sharing
that we used last year will be allowed. Fair Share!
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Foot of ISth St-Astoria, Oregon - 503 325 4341- toll free 800 228 705) *1ax S04 32510471
FdI IIN ET TER:
plan expired in 2003. Washington
and Oregon officials were hosts at a Below is a copy of the official Oregon House Bill allowing the more direct
public meeting in Vancouver to begin sale of Columbia River salmon from commercial fishermen to consumers,
discussion on an allocation agreement passed by the 2003 legislative session and signed by the governor. It has
for 2004 and 2005. created a 4 year Columbia River pilot program.
Spring chinook sharing is very
complicated. The goal is to catch as A discussion of the use of the provisions of this new law, after its first
fall in existence, will be on the Annual Meeting Agenda.
many hatchery-origin chinook as
possible while protecting wild spring
chinook headed for the upper 72nd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY-—2003 Regular Session
Columbia and Snake rivers. Those wild Enrolled
fish are protected under the federal House Bill 3094
Endangered Species Act.
Sponsored by Representgtive JOHNSON; Representative NELSON, Senator DUKES (at the request
The plan the past two years was for of Jon Westerholm) (C RE)
the commercial fleet to fish in late
February and March, targeting
primarily on hatchery fish headed for
AN ACT
the Willamette. The sport fishery was
intended to peak in April in pursuit of
Relating to retail sale of fish; and declaring an emergency.
upper Columbia-Snake salmon.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
In 2002, the allocation plan worked
SECTION 1. The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may by rule establish a pilot pro-
fairly well, with the sportsmen gram for the sale of fish at locations away from vessels participating in the nontreaty
Columbia River fisheries. All sales of fish at locations away from vessels must comply with
harvesting 21,600 chinook and the the State Department of Agriculture licensing and food handling requirements.
commercials 14,200. SECTION 2. Section 1 of this 2003 Act is repealed on January 2, 2008.
SECTION 3. This 2003 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public
But this year, the upper Columbia peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2003 Act takes effect
on its passage,
fish were early and the Willamette fish
were late. The commercials caught
Passed by House April 21, 2003 Received by Governor:
just 3,200 spring chinook in three days
of netting before using up their share
of upper Columbia fish.
Sport fishermen harvested 18,000,
but angling was closed beginning April
6 from Interstate 5 to Bonneville dam. Governor
Jack Marincovich of the Columbia
River Fisheries Protective Union, an
Astoria-based commercial fishing
group, called the harvest of 18,000 by
¢ Secretary of State
the sportsmen and 3,200 by the
commercials “out of balance.”
Only spring chinook marked by a
clipped adipose fin may be kept in the
Columbia River. King asked sportsmen
to consider a regulation that does not
allow fish to be removed from the
water prior to being released.
Some sportsmen net non-clipped Warrenton
spring chinook, flop them in their
Boat Yard
boats, remove the hook and return the
salmon to the river instead of leaning
out the boat and taking out the hook. FULL-SERVICE MARINE RAILWAYS
Sport and commercial group leaders
COMMERCIAL ¢ YACHT ¢ SAILBOAT
will meet individually with Washington
FIBERGLASS * WOOD * STEEL
and Oregon officials in Vancouver to
BOAT REPAIR Old-fashioned Experience
discuss their respective fisheries, then COMPLETE HULL BOTTOM MAINTENANCE Cutting Edge Tools
meet together again later.
Salmi Brothers Chipping - Brush Mowing
The Washington and Oregon fish and
NE Bay & NE Harbor Ct. Brush Removal - Field Mowing
wildlife commisions are scheduled to Warrenton, OR 97146 Daniel Leinweber
make their allocation decisions in 861-1311 [phone]
December.
COLUMES
LOTS OF FISH BUT NO FISHING
By Mike Strom and Courtesy of The Fishermens News, Seattle. www. fishermensnews.com
The controversy on the utter disaster and spring season 43 seasons of gillnetting the lower
followed on its heels down the road Columbia.
Columbia River continues as
to closures and, a collapsing market Issues sizzled. The Tongue Point
fishermen and managers see that showed no remorse as 80,000 select fishery was cut off for the
strong returns of salmon, troll fish hit the market in May, season after 340 chinook and 11
prompting less fishing time dropping the price of springers from white sturgeon were brought in on
$2.50 to $1.00 a pound. the April 17-18 opening. In Blind
rather than more.
The area’s top producing spring Slough, without the extension of
Big runs of salmon are problems select area fishery, Young’s Bay, at Knappa Slough, 959 chinook were
that fishermen like to live with, Astoria, Oregon, saw gillnetters on caught in the first three openings.
right? Not if you are a Columbia the beach after the April 16-18 The Compact’s rationale was that
River gillnetter in 2003. By the time opening, in which 2,319 chinook Blind Slough was a clean fishery -
the dust had settled on the winter were landed. Gillnetters were not to meaning a zero upriver bright catch.
and spring fisheries, Columbia River see another day fishing until May 7th Patrick Frazier, head ODF&G
gillnetters were showing an attitude where 610 salmon were delivered. Columbia River Biologist, said that
of total disgust for they’d been The five-day opener from May 12- 16 there were too many wild fish in the
pulled off the fish at their best brought in 1,167 springers, but Tongue Point select fishery, and as a
market times during peak runs. average weight dropped to 12.8 from result, had to be closed for the
After the initial openings for the the 15-lb. average on the initial season. Frazier pointed out that the
spring select area and Columbia openings. problem with Tongue Point is that
River winter tanglenet fisheries, the “It’s all haywire! They give us the this spring so many wild fish showed
commercial fishermen were pulled tributary on the river to pacify us for up that they strayed into Tongue
off the grounds while the run went not fishing the river... and now Point so they cut it off to protect the
by and the market eroded. they’ve regulated this season and listed species. South Channel fell
Tanglenet season proved to be an they started starving the fishermen under the knife, too, when on April
out,” said Audie Nelson a veteran of 28 the Columbia River Compact
soe NORTH slashed all scheduled openings
through June 13.
"aE COAST Fishermen were confused. There
were fish in the river but they
TRUCK couldn’t catch them. A phenomenal
run of 200,000 upriver brights, and
Quality Truck, Marine & | over 120,000 Willamette salmon
Hydraulic equipment | Judy Hansen swam by the Columbia River bridge
NOW STOCKING LIGHT TRUCK PARTS Vice President and the Compact closed the season.
Banking Center Manager
AND ACCESSORIES 4X4 TRUCKS AND S.U.V The fishermen didn’t get to fish
757 W Marine Drive, Astoria because there were so many wild
Across from Youngs Bay | 977 Commercial fish that they ate up the select area
Astoria, OR 97103
| Open daily 8 to 5:30, Sat 9-noon | impact quotas.
325-3111 |
503/325-2333 The initial estimate of upriver
brights was 143,000 salmon but this
Knutsen ee
INSURANCE C \T LUMBER me le a eee et
Auto - Home - Marine COMPANY RGRE aA nncinel :
Since 1919
Gillnetters & Dories ¢ Lumber ¢ Plywood « Paint « Darigold Feed Company
Call 325-1541 for a Quotation * Plumbing Electric Supplies «
* Garden Supplies e Mike Scholerman, Manager
968 Commercial Street, Astoria 5945 Hamburg Street
1555 N. Roosevelt, Seaside 503-738-8455
1600 Pacific Avenue S., Long Beach, WA 2142 Commercial Astoria, OR 97103
360-642-2353 Astoria, OR 97103 [phone]
Email: [email protected] 325-4511 or 800-248-4511 Fax [phone]