Fish and Wildlife is looking to fill four vacant position on a citizen advisory group responsible for reviewing proposals to maintain and improve sportfishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries.

The board’s primary role is to advise Fish and Wildlife on implementation of the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program.

Board members also serve as an important communication link with anglers and angler organizations. Candidates seeking appointment to the board should have some understanding of Columbia River salmon and steelhead fisheries, along with the ability to communicate effectively with the fishing public.

The board meets two times a year, usually February and August to review and evaluate program implementation, program expenditures, and to provide recommendations consistent with the intent of the endorsement program.

Any individual or organization can nominate a candidate. Nominations must include the following information: The nominee’s name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number. The nominee’s affiliations, if any. The Fish and Wildlife region the nominee is seeking to represent.

Also, the name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number of any organization submitting the nomination. Nominee’s experience with Columbia River salmon and steelhead fisheries and interactions with anglers and/or angler organizations. References.

Nominations must be received no later than 5 p.m., Dec. 15. Submit nominations by mail to: Chad Jackson, Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program, 1550 Alder St. NW, Ephrata, WA 98823, or by email to TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov, write “CRSSRAB Nomination” in subject line). More information is available by contacting Chad Jackson at (509) 754-4624, ext. 250.

Fish and Wildlife delays commercial crab fishery

Dennis note: Not enough meat in crab shells delays opening of crab fishery. Who would have thought this could happen? Read on.

State shellfish managers have delayed the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery on Washington’s coast due to inadequate meat in crab shells.

The commercial fishery on Washington’s coast typically opens Dec. 1. Recent testing indicates crabs along the coast do not have sufficient meat in their shells to meet industry standards for harvest. The fishery will be delayed until at least Dec. 16 to allow more time for crabs to fill with more meat.