While many in Washington have and continue to criticize our former governor and now Obama cabinet member, Gary Locke, maybe those of us in the fishing industry should take a closer look.

A Real Fish Story

Here is an unusual fish story. And a positive one.

On Thursday, Gary Locke, the secretary of commerce, approved a plan that would prohibit commercial fishing in a huge swath of American waters in the Arctic that have never been actively fished and that nobody is much interested in fishing now. That sounds odd, but it’s a smart move based on the assumption that the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice caused by climate change will someday make the area more accessible and commercially more attractive.  This was also the first time the United States shut down a fishery because of climate change rather than overfishing. Mr. Locke’s objective is to buy time to get a fix on the area’s resources and develop a sustainable fishing plan that would assure lasting protection for a fragile and poorly understood ecosystem.  The plan was developed jointly by environmentalists and the Marine Conservation Alliance, a consortium of Alaskan harvesters and processors. Conservationists and industry do not, as a rule, agree on how quickly fish should be taken from the sea. Here they agreed not to take any at all – until it seems safe to do so.  The prohibition covers nearly 200,000 square miles north of the Bering Strait. These waters are believed to be rich in cod and snow crab, among other species. In time, they could well provide a new home for cold-water species like pollock and salmon that are already moving north as global warming increases water temperatures in their normal habitats. The hope in Alaska and Washington is that the plan will send a signal to other Arctic nations – including Russia, Canada, Norway and Denmark – that are also eyeing the potentially huge resources beneath the thawing Arctic icepack. Fish migrate long distances, and care little for international borders. International cooperation will ultimately be required to protect them. Closing American waters tells the world that the United States is putting its own house in order until science determines that fishing can be allowed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Thank you to Doug Schaad of the Washington Fly Fishing Club

A select group of biologists connected with the Umpqua River system in Oregon and with support of at least one commission member  have once again neglected to read their own mission statement and continue to strive for harvest first conservation when it’s easy.  One of the few river systems on the planet with a barely viable wild run of winter steelhead is yet again being targeted for the kill of wild fish.  This is after a guide initiated…(yes you read that right! ) proposal to stop all taking of wild fish on the system was successful in securing this common sense change.  This is akin to having loggers propose no more cutting of trees. Unheard of support for wild fish by people that rely on fishing to make a living.   All in all an unprecedented realization that this precious resource is indeed in need of protection.   An outpouring of public support helped get this change past the commission and recommendation of its biologist to continue the kill.  So now it is once again time for “those who care” to gather forces lock elbows and apply the only thing politicians  understand.  PUBLIC PRESSURE    Attending meetings, writing letters and making your voice heard is not something outdoor oriented folks enjoy doing.  sometimes it is just a, bite the bullet, scenario to ensure what you care about is respected and protected.   Let me know if you care to be kept informed on this issue.

Bill Bakke of Native Fish Society has an excellent summary of this situation  here, check it out.

Mike McCoy

http://www.nativefishsociety.org/includes/documents/04-09_CONSERVATION_REPORT.pdf

Emerald Water Anglers is a fly fishing outfitter based in Seattle, Washington with a sole vision – you.

One of the most important elements of your trip is the guide. Both an advisor and confidant, we pride ourselves on the professional caliber and diverse expertise of our guides. Their proven aptitude and friendly approach to fly fishing and casting instruction will help ensure a successful trip.

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Tight Lines,

Dave McCoy
Owner, Head Guide