Columbia River Alternative Gear Advisory Board

With the Designation of a Lower Columbia Emerging Commercial Fishery per WAC 220-360-500, the Columbia River Alternative Gear Advisory Board has now transitioned to a workgroup. 

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) alternative gear efforts are directed by Policy C-3630 (PDF). Use of various gears (i.e., purse seine, beach seine, and pound net) in the lower Columbia commercial fishery is currently prohibited by Washington state laws (RCW 77.50.030) except within the newly designated Emerging Commercial Fishery taking place in the Fall of 2024. Members of this workgroup will continue to provide input on the implementation of the Emerging Commercial Fishery and other topics related to Alternative Commercial Gear in Washington. 

At the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, we celebrate diverse individuals who bring a wide range of perspectives. All are welcome to participate in our processes regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.

Contacts and member info

Guidelines

Contacts

Meeting calendar

Agendas will be available approximately one week prior to the next meeting.

Additional information

 

Seine Fishery letter, fall 2016 (PDF) - A letter informing commercial fishers of the seine fishery structure

Emerging Commercial Fishery Designation Rulemaking - Track current rule making activities here

Relevant RCWs and WACs 

RCW 77.65.400 – Designation of a fishery as an emerging commercial fishery
RCW 77.70.160 – Issuance of experimental fisher permits for commercial harvest
RCW 77.70.180 - Emerging Commercial Fishery Report to Legislature
WAC 220-360-030 – Formation of Experimental Fishery Advisory board, this advisory board