Post by: fishcrazy on August 26, 2009, 09:47:51 PM
This year, so many people are fishing the Skokomish River that it is having an impact on water quality and the commercial shellfish industry in Hood Canal. Due to the number of fisherman, some estimate as many as 2,000 or more a day, and insufficient number of port-a-potties and garbage containers, the State Department of Health has closed Annas Bay to commercial harvesting of shellfish. This is an indefinite emergency closure to protect the public from potentially eating shellfish contaminated by human waste. The Skokomish drains into Annas Bay. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife will be touring the Skokomish today (Wednesday) with officials from the Health Department to determine whether to close the River to fishing which would allow time for the water to flush away any human caused contamination. The Skokomish River is currently the largest fishery in the state and it may be difficult to enforce any closure. 1030 KMAS will continue to follow this story and provide updates on the fishery when new information becomes available.
:pee: :liar: :mor: :stirthepot:
Kris
Post by: jackelope on August 26, 2009, 10:15:11 PM
by WDFW on the Skokomish River
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is taking measures to encourage better sanitary practices by anglers fishing the Skokomish River to protect both human health and fish and shellfish resources.
With hundreds of recreational salmon anglers fishing the river each day, an accumulation of human waste and trash is creating potential health and water quality problems, said Jim Scott, assistant director for WDFW's fish program.
To improve the situation, the department is increasing the number of dumpsters and portable toilets in the areas along the river that are most affected.
"We know that the state Department of Health has closed a portion of the Skokomish River delta to shellfish harvesting due to multiple sources of fecal coliform bacteria," Scott said. "We can't say for sure that human waste is contributing to the problem, but we want to eliminate that possibility by offering more waste-disposal means for anglers."
WDFW is also posting signs in the area asking anglers for their assistance in keeping the area safe and clean, Scott said.
"We're telling the public that we need their cooperation to keep the Skokomish River open to fishing," Scott said.
That includes fishing legally in addition to improving sanitation, he said. Since the fishery opened Aug. 1, WDFW enforcement officers have been monitoring the river, where numerous fishing violations have occurred. In a recent emphasis patrol, officers issued 56 citations for violations such as using illegal gear, snagging fish and exceeding catch limits.
"Our intention is to conduct an orderly fishery on the Skokomish," Scott said. "Continued fishing opportunity depends on the behavior of anglers and the choices they make."
The Skokomish River is currently open for recreational salmon fishing seven days a week from the mouth of the river to the Hwy. 101 Bridge.
Post by: CP on August 27, 2009, 12:40:27 PM
:crap: :crap: :crap: :crap: :crap: :crap: :crap:
Post by: rasbo on August 27, 2009, 12:46:21 PM
Post by: Alchase on August 28, 2009, 12:34:08 PM
Post by: Yak-NDN on August 28, 2009, 01:03:17 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 28, 2009, 01:04:58 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 28, 2009, 01:06:44 PM
Its probably and Indian's fault, I cant believe that you all care so much about your resources fallow all the rules and then Poisson them.
WTF?????????????????????
Post by: Yak-NDN on August 28, 2009, 01:11:29 PM
Post by: Yak-NDN on August 28, 2009, 01:14:23 PM
Record numbers.
Post by: CoryTDF on August 28, 2009, 01:18:23 PM
If some are looking for places to fish the Columbia and its tributaries are full of salmon and steel head.
Record numbers.
That's what i hear. The steelies always come right before i am going to try and shoot something. I hate prioritizing :'( it's to hard to decide.
Post by: rezboy on August 28, 2009, 01:21:00 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 28, 2009, 01:22:23 PM
Post by: firecrotch on August 28, 2009, 01:25:49 PM
Post by: rezboy on August 28, 2009, 01:26:18 PM
So many outdoor activities so little time. What is a sportsman to do? :chuckle:
Think I'm going to do both. During deer season I am going to deer hunt in the morning, fish during the day and hunt again in the evening. At least that's the initial plan. :IBCOOL:
Post by: CoryTDF on August 28, 2009, 01:30:38 PM
Quote
All my buddies are knocking the crap out of the fish.
AWW man it's happening there too? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: rezboy on August 28, 2009, 01:32:56 PM
QuoteAll my buddies are knocking the crap out of the fish.
AWW man it's happing there too? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Good one. I didn't see that one at all. LOL