From Native Fish Society
On Friday, January 15, 2021, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will consider a proposal to regulate non-native fish species, also known as invasive species, in Oregon’s rivers. We need your voice to ensure that Oregon adopts a strong policy that protects the native fish of the state and prioritizes the conservation and recovery of abundant wild native fish. Please sign up to provide virtual testimony or submit a comment in writing through the links below. Don’t delay! The deadline for inclusion is 8 am on Wednesday, January 13.
SIGN UP FOR VIRTUAL TESTIMONY BY CLICKING HERE
SUBMIT A COMMENT TO OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION BY CLICKING HERE
Invasive fish species are already present in many of Oregon’s watersheds and can have serious impacts on the ability of wild native fish to not only thrive, but in many cases, survive. Invasive species like catfish, bass, crappie, perch and walleye not only compete for food and habitat with native fish, they also prey on native fish. Their ability to survive in severely degraded environments means that these invasive species flourish in many of Oregon’s rivers and streams and contribute to declining populations of native fish species like Salmon, Steelhead, and native Trouts.
The proposed non-native gamefish policy blatantly fails to live up to ODFW’s mandate “to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.” We strongly encourage the ODFW Commission to adopt a no size, no bag limit for non-native game fish species as this is the most consistent way for the agency to contribute to the department’s mandate.
Artificial lakes without connection to natural streams or rivers are appropriate venues to manage non-native game species for recreational opportunities. Oregon’s natural rivers, streams, and lakes (including human-made reservoirs that are attached to riverways) should be stewarded for the revival of abundant, native fish.
Allowing a no size/no bag limit on non-native game fish species allows for recreational opportunity in the near term, as people continue to fish for these species, as well as the long term, as recovered native fisheries become available for both angling and consumptive opportunity.
Let’s ensure that the state’s priorities remain clear by crafting policies focused on the conservation and recovery of our iconic native fish species. Please sign up today using the links to provide virtual testimony at Friday’s commission meeting or sign on your support for a no size/no bag limit policy for invasive fish species in Oregon.
SIGN UP FOR VIRTUAL TESTIMONY BY CLICKING HERE
SUBMIT A COMMENT TO OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION BY CLICKING HERE
For Wild Fish,
Jennifer Fairbrother
Conservation Director
