WA/OR Mainstem Columbia River Eulachon Gillnet Fishery - MMPA List of Fisheries
U.S. fisheries are classified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act according to the level of interactions that result in incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals.
Current Classification on the List of Fisheries
Category | III |
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Estimated Number of Participants | 10 |
Target Species | eulachon |
Applicable Take Reduction Plans | N/A |
Observer Coverage | None |
Marine Mammal Species/Stocks Killed or Injured | None documented |
Basis for Current Classification
Classified as a Category III similar to other Columbia River gillnet fisheries because these fisheries use similar fishing techniques, habitat, and gear.
Distribution
Eulachon (candlefish), which is a member of the typical smelts, are targeted in the Lower Columbia River downstream from Bonneville Dam. The fishery historically occurred throughout the winter and spring, from December 1 to March 31, to supply both the bait demand for sport sturgeon anglers and the fresh food market. In recent years, the fishery has been limited to a total of 8-15 days (primarily in February) by conservative fishery management decisions responding to declining returns and the 2010 ESA-listing.
Gear Description
The fishery is primarily conducted using 2-inch stretched bobber gill nets that are set during the turn of the tide and during the flood tide when the fish are present at intermediate depths. Most nets are suspended below the surface by dropper lines which are adjusted as needed.
Management
Oregon and Washington jointly decide management actions for Columbia River fish and fisheries in the trans-boundary mainstem reaches of the lower basin. Both states manage the fishery under the congressionally approved Columbia River Compact (Compact). The Compact States can open a commercial fishery only with the mutual consent and approbation of both states. The Compact does not restrict the right of either state to adopt regulations that are more conservative than that of the other, though such regulations can be enforced only in the adopting state's waters. Washington commercial fishers are required to have a Columbia River smelt commercial license when targeting eulachon for either human consumption or bait-fishing. Oregon does not require a separate smelt license; however, fishers do have to possess a commercial fishing license and a commercial fishing boat license. If eulachon are targeted only for bait sales, fishers may purchase a bait-fishing license only instead of a commercial fishing license and a commercial fishing boat license.
Historical Information
Original Category (Year added to the LOF) | III (2016) |
Original Number of Participants | 15 |
Basis for Original Classification | Categorized similarly as other Columbia River gillnet fisheries because these fisheries use similar fishing techniques, habitat, and gear. |
Past Names | None |
Species/stocks historically documented as killed or injured (but not currently on the list) | None |
Timeline of Changes
2022 |
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