AP: Ore. harbormaster impounding boats for moorage fees

Ore. harbormaster impounding boats for moorage fees

02/13/2007

Associated Press

It's a job Harbormaster Don Yost is reluctant to do — inventorying all the equipment aboard a boat that was impounded. "It didn't fish last year at all," Yost said.

Many commercial salmon trawlers here are in the same bind after falling behind on moorage payments following a disastrous salmon season last year.

The port deferred moorage payments last year until state financial aid arrived for fishermen to help them survive the closure of the ocean salmon fishing season.

The deferment program ended in January. And, despite two state payments, many boat owners still have not paid their bills for 2006.

"That note is due now; those folks owe that," Yost said.

Interest charges began Feb. 1.

Yost said about half of the 44 fishermen who took advantage of the deferred payment haven't paid their bills, meaning the port is still owed about $20,000.

Putting a bright orange or yellow sticker on the boat, taking it out of the water and locking it up is a last resort, Yost said.

"At some point, we have to take action," he said. "Impounding is a no-win for anybody."

"I know some guys are having a heck of a time," Charleston crabber and salmon troller Mark Petterson said from his boat, the Jessica Ann.

Crabbing was all that allowed him to pay his moorage bill this year, he said. "There are some people who are in dire straits."

Petterson said some fishermen turned to deckhanding on crab boats during the winter to make ends meet.

Many trollers worked out payment plans with the port, but in order to qualify for the deferred-payment program, their accounts had to be up to date.

"I don't think they should be putting penalties and interest on those deferred payments for fishermen who depend solely on salmon," Petterson said.

The agreement was that if a troller received money from a relief program, he would pay the port, Yost said. "The port did its level best to provide some relief," he added.

Owners likely will be able to continue working on their boats and work with the port to pay the debts.

Some are trying to sell parts and equipment from the boats before they are put up for auction.

The last season was hobbled by low salmon returns in the Klamath River in northern California. The 2007 outlook is uncertain.

Only a few fished for salmon last year. Others trolled for tuna or fished for black cod instead.

Yost said that he understands fishermen are worried.

"I'd be nervous too," he said, "but we're not rushing out to impound boats. Just come talk to us and let us know. That makes all the difference in the world."