WDFW seeks input on Columbia salmon policy

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public input on Columbia salmon policy.

The five-year policy was developed in collaboration with Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and aims to promote conservation of salmon and steelhead, set priorities for recreational salmon fishing in the lower Columbia River, and shift gillnet fisheries away from the river’s main channel, according to a WDFW news release.

The current Washington policy also calls for increasing hatchery releases in the lower Columbia, expanding the use of alternative fishing gear by commercial fishers and implementing strategies to reduce the number of Columbia River gillnet permits.

WDFW’s Columbia River Commercial Fishing Advisory Group will meet form 1-3 p.m., and the Columbia River Recreational Fishing Advisory Group will meet from 3-5 p.m. on March 14 at the WDFW southwest Washington regional office, 5525 South 11th St., Ridgefield. The meeting is open to the public.