An Interim Management Plan for Oregon's Nearshore Commercial Fisheries

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildllife

Publish Date: 2002

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: cedric.x.cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: The groundfish crisis continues to deepen. Since 1997, the nearshore commercial fishery has continued to grow due to the development of live-fish markets. More recreational and commercial fishing effort will likely move into nearshore areas in 2003 due to anticipated restrictions and area closures on the continental shelf. Little is known about the status of nearshore fishery resources. Washington has virtually eliminated commercial fishing for groundfish inside of 3 miles – expressing a strong sport preference. California continues to develop a complex set of restrictions on its nearshore fishery – including effort limitation. Oregon has a unique set of circumstances in that most of the commercial effort is concentrated in southern Oregon while recreational effort tends to be concentrated in central and northern coastal waters. The Fish and Wildlife Commission has directed staff to come up with a plan to limit growth and protect nearshore resource, and to balance overall ocean-wide marine resource use among recreational and commercial interests. This staff report and management proposal has been developed based on the initiative of Oregon commercial fishermen, particularly those on the South Coast, who are seeing increasing effort in the commercial nearshore fishery. Staff requests the Commission to take action to bring the commercial nearshore fishery into the Developmental Fisheries Program.

Purpose: Staff proposes the following goals and objectives for managing Oregon’s nearshore fisheries: 1. Sustain biological resources at optimal levels. 2. Minimize the number of commercial nearshore vessels fishing off central and northern coastal waters in areas of high recreational use; 3. Allow continuation of black rockfish open access fishery; 4. Avoid additional effort shifting from open access fishery to nearshore fishery. 5. Reduce effort by at least 50%. 6. Gather information needed for management – using mandatory logbooks and sampling. 7. Develop a cap on harvest levels of nearshore species.

Time Period of Content:

Geographic Extent: Oregon

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF

Data Quality Information

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Data Information

No data information was supplied.

Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Yes