The Columbia River treaty tribes have blasted Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, saying he forced the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to enact fisheries harvest reform.
“The tribes are disappointed that the Governor of Oregon responded to political pressures and forced the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to hastily approve significant changes to the lower Columbia River fisheries,” said Paul Lumley, executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
On Friday, the Oregon commission voted to prioritize sport fishing in the lower Columbia and to phase out gillnets in the main river by 2017.
Gillnets will continue to be allowed in off-channel locations and hatchery salmon releases in those sites will be increased. Commercial fishing that remains in the main lower Columbia will be transitioned to alternative gear such as purse and beach seines.