Commercial poachers at work on the Elochoman

I received this communication Tuesday from an Elochoman Valley resident who feared retribution if he were identified. With that in mind, I'm printing here.

"Some may be aware of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist counting fish on the Elochoman. Yesterday he informed me he has uncovered several poaching teams stealing fish from the river only to sell to restaurants. They use nets to circle the fish, then pull them out. While several are netting the fish, there is usually someone along the road keeping watch to alert the others if someone approaches.

"This kind of slaying of fish can wipe out a run in a hurry. It has a huge impact and is a contributing factor to the demise of our fish.

"WDFW game enforcement officers are aware of this. But if any of you see any one or thing of suspicion, and if you are so inclined, do call the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office, 911, to report it or non-emergency numbers, 360-795-3242, 1-877-933-9847 or WDFW Police 360-902-2936. Please do not involve yourself or remove any evidence such as nets. Just report vehicle plate numbers, descriptions of vehicles/people."