Curt Melcher (503) 947-6208
Dan Knoll (503) 947-6023
Fax: (503) 947-6009

SALEM — The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will discuss additional ocean commercial salmon fishing opportunities during the Aug. 4 commission meeting at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife headquarters, 3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem.

ODFW was directed under the Governor’s state of emergency declaration to develop commercial salmon fishing opportunities in state waters to help mitigate for commercial fishing closures in federal waters. These fisheries will help offset economic impacts to coastal communities affected by low returns of Klamath fall chinook.

The commission will consider opening specific terminal or “bubble” areas to provide additional commercial fishing opportunities while minimizing impacts to Klamath fall chinook, Oregon coastal coho, and other species of concern. These terminal areas are located in the ocean adjacent to river systems with healthy fall chinook runs.

The 12 terminal fishing alternatives include areas near Nehalem/Tillamook, Nestucca, Yaquina, Alsea, Siuslaw, Umpqua, Coos, Elk, Rogue, and Chetco systems.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Governor for staggered four-year terms. One commissioner must be from each congressional district, one from east of the Cascades and one from west of the Cascades.

Commissioners formulate general state programs and policies concerning management and conservation of fish and wildlife resources and establish seasons, methods and bag limits for recreational and commercial take.