Initiative, plan would harm local fishers

To The Eagle:

Thanks very much for the stories regarding the Oregon Ballot Measure 81 and Governor Kitzhaber response, regarding gillnetting on the Columbia River.

Both of these endeavors could cause great harm to our local fishermen here in Wahkiakum County and in Washington State. Gov. Kitzhaber is apparently not aware that the only Select Area for fishing on the Washington side is in Deep River and it is maxed out in terms of fish production and too limited in space to permit many fishermen. There have not proven to be any other places in Washington so far that look feasible to expand to, and, given the condition the federal and state budgets are in, Gov. Kitzhaber's idea has zero chance of finding the funding necessary to implement his ambitious, although misguided plan. His idea basically grabs Washington-produced fish for an Oregon mainstem recreational fishery.

Ballot measure 81 would prevent gillnetters from fishing, period. While it proposes to replace their gear with seines, the reality is that the National Marine Fisheries Service must approve them for use, which could take years. Further, the ballot measure puts in place a priority for recreational fisheries that could even impinge on conservation standards. The ballot measure offers no compensation for destroying existing commercial fishing businesses and no financial assistance for getting into seining. Estimates of $150,000 per business do not overstate the financial hardship incurred and the measure is slated to go into effect July, 2013, unless it is defeated in the election. We have Oregon-licensed fishermen living here in Wahkiakum County who will lose their businesses in less than a year if the measure passes.

Salmon For All, the West Coast Seafood Processors' Association and a number of other groups are leading the fight against this destructive initiative. Those who wish further information or who wish to donate online, are encouraged to visit the following website: http://www.nomeasure81.com. You may also want to look at the Salmon For All website, http://www.salmonforall.org. Thanks very much.

Kent Martin

Skamokawa