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Bad News - Washington Lead Ban Press Release
If you didn't get involved because you don't fish for trout on these lakes, then don't blame anyone but yourself when these loons come back for your fishing hooks and fishing line. Everybody's ox got gored on this one; even the loon watchers. When sportsmen no longer buy fishing and hunting licenses let's see how many loons are left in Washington (we stock the trout the loons eat because these lakes have no self-sustaining trout populations).
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
ASA, Mary Jane Williamson, 703-519-9691 x 227
BASS, Mark Byrne
TBF, Robert Cartlidge, 580-765-9031
Cascade Musky Association, Mark Wells
NSIA, Liz Hamilton, 503-631-8859
Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission Imposes Lead Fishing Tackle Bans
Recreational fishing community’s efforts dismissed by adoption of unwarranted fishing tackle regulations
Washington, D.C. – December 8, 2010 – Twelve of Washington state’s most popular fishing spots that generate much-needed income for fisheries conservation and habitat restoration through fishing license fees and tackle sales, are now subject to a new regulation that prohibits the use of lead fishing weights and jigs that measure 1.5” or less. On December 4, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted that regulation, along with a ban on fishing flies containing lead at Long Lake in Ferry County. The commission rejected an alternate proposal submitted by five national and regional recreational fishing organizations that incorporated a comprehensive community-based, scientific study of loon and waterfowl mortality and an education program for fishing and boating enthusiasts to minimize disturbances and threats to loons and other water birds.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, whose income, in part, is derived from fishing license fees, argued in favor of the measure that the Commission ultimately adopted, even though their arguments were inconsistent with the Department’s own findings of healthy loon populations and increased nesting sites in the state. Freshwater fishing in Washington contributes over $1 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports over 9,500 jobs.
“Though these regulations have been imposed with the aim of conserving loon populations, the commission overlooked the much more eminent threats to the birds in Washington, such as shoreline development and disease,” said American Sportfishing Association Vice President Gordon Robertson. “Over the past 13 years, advocates of these new regulations have only been able to identify nine loon mortalities from lead fishing tackle ingestion.”
“We are disappointed that the commission did not accept the recreational fishing community’s proposal to assist with the further understanding of loons in Washington,” said Mark Byrne with the Washington Chapter of B.A.S.S. “Our proposal provided a measured and studied approach to a decision that should not have been made until adequate data was available.”
“The decision to ban lead sinkers and jigs in these lakes will have no positive effect on the loon population in Washington,” said Gary Morris of the The Bass Federation (TBF). “A win-win decision would have been a cooperative program between anglers, boaters and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to bolster the understanding of interactions between people who enjoy time on the lake, especially anglers, and loons. We believe our proposal would have added to the body of evidence that is necessary for the commission to make an informed and balanced decision, a decision which we had hoped would be only made once the issue of lead fishing tackle and loons was better understood.”
“The issue of lead-containing fishing tackle and loons tends to be based on emotion, and not on sound scientific data,” said Robertson. “In reality, only a small number of loons die each year from ingesting a lead sinker or jig. Other mortality factors – shoreline development, pollutants such as sewage and run-off - account for the vast majority of loon and other waterfowl deaths.”
The recreational fishing community notes that the commission’s new regulation disregards Washington Governor Gregoire’s Executive Order 10-06, which states that all government agencies, including commissions, are to “suspend rule making that is not immediately necessary.” The Executive Order was issued to help small businesses and communities during Washington’s economic recovery. This newly adopted regulation will negatively impact the state’s economy, job force and fishery conservation funds.
Robertson said, “The arguments presented in Washington were emotionally driven and not based on scientific fact. Unfortunately, the commissioners rejected our proposal, which would have significantly advanced the knowledge base of loons and other waterfowl by bringing anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts into loon conservation projects. It’s difficult to understand why such a proposal was not considered, especially when it came from anglers, the very constituents that pay for fishery conservation in Washington.”
“Despite the lack of data to back up the assertion, the recreational fishing community was offered up as the source of loon mortality,” said Mark Wells with the Cascade Musky Association. “Nothing is further from the truth.”
Wells further said, “The recreational fishing community offered a logical and common-sense, community-based plan that included a high degree of recreational community participation and ultimately provided for a better overall understanding of loon populations. Who better to offer help than people who spend time on the water with these birds?”
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Views: 143
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Pat on
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the following are six of the nine comisioners, wonder who voted against the fishermen?
Miranda Wecker, Chair
Miranda Wecker was first appointed to the Commission in March 2005 and was reappointed by Gov. Gregoire in January 2007. The Commission elected her to serve as Vice Chair that same year, and she has served as Chair since January 16, 2009.
Having graduated from the University of Washington School Of Law with Juris Doctor and Masters of Law Degrees, Miranda has more than 25 years of experience working on natural resource policies at the international, national, state, and local levels. She has led the marine program of the University of Washington Olympic Natural Resources Center since 1995 and continues to provide consulting services to non-profit organizations.
Miranda and her husband, Jim Hidy, reside in Naselle and enjoy mountain biking, cross-country and downhill skiing, and fishing the coastal rivers.
(CURRENT TERM: Jan. 1, 2007 - Dec. 31, 2012)David Jennings
Governor Gregoire appointed David to the Commission in June 2009. David has a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources in Wildlife Management and a Masters of Public Health in Biostatistics. He works as an Environmental Public Health professional.
David volunteers with a number of conservation organizations including Black Hills Audubon Society and the Gifford Pinchot Task Force. He has served on several state and federal advisory boards addressing wildlife and habitat issues, including WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council, the U.S. Forest Service’s Southwest Washington Provincial Advisory Council, and the North Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee.
David is an avid birder, wildlife watcher, and scuba diver. He is a member of REEF’s Pacific Northwest Advanced Assessment Team and helps conduct underwater surveys of marine fish and invertebrates from the Salish Sea down to Monterey Bay. David lives in Olympia with his wife, Jan.
(CURRENT TERM: June 18, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2014)
David Jennings
Governor Gregoire appointed David to the Commission in June 2009. David has a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources in Wildlife Management and a Masters of Public Health in Biostatistics. He works as an Environmental Public Health professional.
David volunteers with a number of conservation organizations including Black Hills Audubon Society and the Gifford Pinchot Task Force. He has served on several state and federal advisory boards addressing wildlife and habitat issues, including WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council, the U.S. Forest Service’s Southwest Washington Provincial Advisory Council, and the North Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee.
David is an avid birder, wildlife watcher, and scuba diver. He is a member of REEF’s Pacific Northwest Advanced Assessment Team and helps conduct underwater surveys of marine fish and invertebrates from the Salish Sea down to Monterey Bay. David lives in Olympia with his wife, Jan.
(Conrad “Connie” Mahnken was appointed to the Commission in November 2005. Having achieved B.S. & M.S. degrees in Oceanography and a Ph.D. in Fisheries, his career includes more than 40 years with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. In 1970, Connie helped establish the NMFS Manchester Fisheries Laboratory on western Puget Sound and served as its director for more than 20 years.
Additionally, he chaired the U.S./Japan Natural Resources Committee on Aquaculture and served on the NMFS Biological Review Teams for proposed ESA listings of Pacific Northwest salmonids. Dr. Mahnken was chosen and served on the congressionally-funded Hatchery Scientific Review Group panel, which released its recommendations for reforming Pacific Northwest fish hatcheries in April 2004. Connie and his wife, Pamela, live in Bainbridge Island.
(CURRENT TERM: Nov. 4, 2005 - Dec. 31, 2010)
Rolland A. (Rollie) Schmitten was appointed to the Commission on June 18, 2009. His career includes 40 years of natural resource management at the highest levels of civil service. After earning a forest management degree with emphasis on fish and wildlife from Washington State University in 1966 he served in the US Marine Corps.
In the early 1970’s Rollie was elected as city councilman, county port commissioner, and served three terms in the state House of Representatives until 1980, when he resigned his seat to become Director of the Department of Fisheries. In 1984, Mr. Schmitten went to work for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) – a department within NOAA – as the West Coast Regional Director. From 1993-1999 he served as the National Director of Marine Fisheries.
In addition, Rollie has served as the US Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs (NOAA), the National Director of Marine Habitat Conservation, and as a US Whaling Commissioner 1995-2005. He’s received Presidential appointments to positions such as US Tuna Commissioner, US Atlantic Salmon Commissioner, and served 10 years as the US International Whaling Commissioner. Mr. Schmitten has been recognized with several awards for his many years of outstanding service, and he continues to be active in natural resource issues. Rollie and his wife of 42 years, Barbara, live at Lake Wenatchee.
(CURRENT TERM: June 18, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2014)
Brad Smith was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Gregoire in June 2009. Since 1994, Brad has served as Dean of Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University. Dr. Smith received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and the Environment.
His career includes three years as the first Director of the Office of Environmental Education for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, service as a Special Assistant to the administrator of the EPA and as Acting Associate Administrator for the EPA.
Dr. Smith is currently a Trustee of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, past President of the U.S. Council of Environmental Deans and Directors and past chair of the Washington State Sustainability Commission. Brad and his wife, Daria, live in Bellingham.
(CURRENT TERM: June 18, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2014) -
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Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on
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Actually ALL of them voted against the fishermen, even the few who fish. This is why I hang a lot of this on WDFW Staff, because WDFW concurred with the ban. I guess WDFW felt they owed the Loon advocates since they use their photographs on WDFW publications and brochures. Maybe they feel they have to compromise and throw some bread crumbs to the other side? I can't imaging the motivation, but it is clear this decision was in effect made prior to any public input or appointment of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group since none of that mattered in the end.
They are making a fatal mistake because the attorneys for every misguided special interest group will use this as precedence to argue hooks are harmful and should be banned, and so should fishing line; etc.
We pay for the WDFW through our licenses, access permits, and Sport Fishing Restoration Act taxes on our purchases of fishing and hunting equipment; and they sure seem to serve everyone but the outdoor sportsmen in this State.
The WDFW's own study on the Common Loon populations in WA indicates the population is growing, not declining, and their own biologists have not done the science that proves differently. Instead they take the loon advocates bogus report and call it their science! Amazing.
ciao,
Marc
Pat said:the following are six of the nine comisioners, wonder who voted against the fishermen?
Miranda Wecker, Chair
Miranda Wecker was first appointed to the Commission in March 2005 and was reappointed by Gov. Gregoire in January 2007. The Commission elected her to serve as Vice Chair that same year, and she has served as Chair since January 16, 2009.
Having graduated from the University of Washington School Of Law with Juris Doctor and Masters of Law Degrees, Miranda has more than 25 years of experience working on natural resource policies at the international, national, state, and local levels. She has led the marine program of the University of Washington Olympic Natural Resources Center since 1995 and continues to provide consulting services to non-profit organizations.
Miranda and her husband, Jim Hidy, reside in Naselle and enjoy mountain biking, cross-country and downhill skiing, and fishing the coastal rivers.
(CURRENT TERM: Jan. 1, 2007 - Dec. 31, 2012)David Jennings
Governor Gregoire appointed David to the Commission in June 2009. David has a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources in Wildlife Management and a Masters of Public Health in Biostatistics. He works as an Environmental Public Health professional.
David volunteers with a number of conservation organizations including Black Hills Audubon Society and the Gifford Pinchot Task Force. He has served on several state and federal advisory boards addressing wildlife and habitat issues, including WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council, the U.S. Forest Service’s Southwest Washington Provincial Advisory Council, and the North Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee.
David is an avid birder, wildlife watcher, and scuba diver. He is a member of REEF’s Pacific Northwest Advanced Assessment Team and helps conduct underwater surveys of marine fish and invertebrates from the Salish Sea down to Monterey Bay. David lives in Olympia with his wife, Jan.
(CURRENT TERM: June 18, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2014)
David Jennings
Governor Gregoire appointed David to the Commission in June 2009. David has a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources in Wildlife Management and a Masters of Public Health in Biostatistics. He works as an Environmental Public Health professional.
David volunteers with a number of conservation organizations including Black Hills Audubon Society and the Gifford Pinchot Task Force. He has served on several state and federal advisory boards addressing wildlife and habitat issues, including WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Advisory Council, the U.S. Forest Service’s Southwest Washington Provincial Advisory Council, and the North Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee.
David is an avid birder, wildlife watcher, and scuba diver. He is a member of REEF’s Pacific Northwest Advanced Assessment Team and helps conduct underwater surveys of marine fish and invertebrates from the Salish Sea down to Monterey Bay. David lives in Olympia with his wife, Jan.
(Conrad “Connie” Mahnken was appointed to the Commission in November 2005. Having achieved B.S. & M.S. degrees in Oceanography and a Ph.D. in Fisheries, his career includes more than 40 years with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. In 1970, Connie helped establish the NMFS Manchester Fisheries Laboratory on western Puget Sound and served as its director for more than 20 years.
Additionally, he chaired the U.S./Japan Natural Resources Committee on Aquaculture and served on the NMFS Biological Review Teams for proposed ESA listings of Pacific Northwest salmonids. Dr. Mahnken was chosen and served on the congressionally-funded Hatchery Scientific Review Group panel, which released its recommendations for reforming Pacific Northwest fish hatcheries in April 2004. Connie and his wife, Pamela, live in Bainbridge Island.
(CURRENT TERM: Nov. 4, 2005 - Dec. 31, 2010)
Rolland A. (Rollie) Schmitten was appointed to the Commission on June 18, 2009. His career includes 40 years of natural resource management at the highest levels of civil service. After earning a forest management degree with emphasis on fish and wildlife from Washington State University in 1966 he served in the US Marine Corps.
In the early 1970’s Rollie was elected as city councilman, county port commissioner, and served three terms in the state House of Representatives until 1980, when he resigned his seat to become Director of the Department of Fisheries. In 1984, Mr. Schmitten went to work for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) – a department within NOAA – as the West Coast Regional Director. From 1993-1999 he served as the National Director of Marine Fisheries.
In addition, Rollie has served as the US Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs (NOAA), the National Director of Marine Habitat Conservation, and as a US Whaling Commissioner 1995-2005. He’s received Presidential appointments to positions such as US Tuna Commissioner, US Atlantic Salmon Commissioner, and served 10 years as the US International Whaling Commissioner. Mr. Schmitten has been recognized with several awards for his many years of outstanding service, and he continues to be active in natural resource issues. Rollie and his wife of 42 years, Barbara, live at Lake Wenatchee.
(CURRENT TERM: June 18, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2014)
Brad Smith was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Gregoire in June 2009. Since 1994, Brad has served as Dean of Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University. Dr. Smith received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and the Environment.
His career includes three years as the first Director of the Office of Environmental Education for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, service as a Special Assistant to the administrator of the EPA and as Acting Associate Administrator for the EPA.
Dr. Smith is currently a Trustee of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, past President of the U.S. Council of Environmental Deans and Directors and past chair of the Washington State Sustainability Commission. Brad and his wife, Daria, live in Bellingham.
(CURRENT TERM: June 18, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2014) -
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Permalink Reply by Greg Hatleberg on
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What bodies of water are effected?
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Permalink Reply by Shawn O'Connell on
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Washington government at its finest. This was clearly pushed by WDFW. We will all have to remember this next time WDFW is asking for our assistance financially or otherwise. Apparently WDFW has the budget to pursue such items when the state agencies are supposed to be trimming the fat. In my opinion they have lost the small amount of credibility that they had.
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Permalink Reply by Casey McCune on
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Those 12 lakes include Ferry and Swan lakes in Ferry County; Calligan and Hancock lakes in King County; Bonaparte, Blue and Lost lakes in Okanogan County; Big Meadow, South Skookum and Yocum lakes in Pend Oreille County; Pierre Lake in Stevens County; and Hozomeen Lake in Whatcom County. Straight off WDFW website article
Greg Hatleberg said:What bodies of water are effected? -
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Permalink Reply by Gary Lucas on
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I wounder what lakes are next? At what point in time are we going to stand tall and not grab our ankles. Envirormenltlist portest all the time and make the news and it seem to work for them
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The only thing that will get their attention is a big fat lawsuit! These are not even elected officials making these decisions, they are appointees of our Governor!
Gary Lucas said:I wounder what lakes are next? At what point in time are we going to stand tall and not grab our ankles. Envirormenltlist portest all the time and make the news and it seem to work for them -
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Permalink Reply by Keith Brooks on
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Elections have consequences... WA voters keep electing liberals like Gregoire who prefer feelings over facts, and who will always side with the "victim". This outcome was clearly decided long ago and all the meetings and public input were purely for show...
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Permalink Reply by Jordan Doucet on
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Well said Mr. Brooks!
Keith Brooks said:Elections have consequences... WA voters keep electing liberals like Gregoire who prefer feelings over facts, and who will always side with the "victim". This outcome was clearly decided long ago and all the meetings and public input were purely for show... -
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It is probably to late. Once a regulation is in place it is almost impossible to change or get rid of it. But it is time to show the government that the fishing community will not stand for them telling us what to do. Their lack of a complete study and the fact that they did not pay any attention to the public input is enough for me to start campaigning against all those in office at this time. They have to again believe that they work for us and we do not take this kind of stupidity lying down. Those of you who did not reply to this must get off your butts and get behind any of the organizations that opposed it in the first place.
It might be to late to change it but it is not to late to let them know how the fishing community feels about it and how precarious there jobs are.
Gary Lucas said:I wounder what lakes are next? At what point in time are we going to stand tall and not grab our ankles. Envirormenltlist portest all the time and make the news and it seem to work for them -
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Permalink Reply by RFatt16 on
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Well I am still going to buy a lic.( They could take all your gear and or boat if they really wanted to be dicks) but i would like to see a "donation fund" to a lawyer or something to that effect. Anyone know a lawyer who fishes or law student willing to work "cheaper" to help a good cause
This is the good 'ol Washington State plain and simple.
As for elected officials we can change that.....yeah right when that wench wins what 2 counties and still wins the election there is nothing we can do. Hell she has even proven when she loses she just cry's for a recount and magically her numbers go up. -
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i made that decision yesterday when marc posted this topic, i WILL NOT purchase a license in this state and will continue to fish
if we do this as a group maybe they can close their funding gap with a loon watching license
Dana Steiner said:In closing, I would like you to reflect on your own personal thoughts on this matter and ask yourself a few simple questions:
1. Are we gaining ground or losing ground with our current rights as a fisherman?
2. Are you currently content with the direction of the WDFW?
3. Has our current approach been obtaining satisfactory results.
4. Do you believe that someday, we could potentially lose our right to fish?
5. Do you think we are extremely out numbered by tree hugging, Granola eating Berkenstock wearer's?
I'm not advocating complete Chaos. I'm just tired of seeing the sport, hobby and pastime I love fall further behind.
P.S. Joe, it's never to late to right a wrong. Just takes more money!
Regards,
Dana A. Steiner
Joe Jacoby said:
It is probably to late. Once a regulation is in place it is almost impossible to change or get rid of it. But it is time to show the government that the fishing community will not stand for them telling us what to do. Their lack of a complete study and the fact that they did not pay any attention to the public input is enough for me to start campaigning against all those in office at this time. They have to again believe that they work for us and we do not take this kind of stupidity lying down. Those of you who did not reply to this must get off your butts and get behind any of the organizations that opposed it in the first place.
It might be to late to change it but it is not to late to let them know how the fishing community feels about it and how precarious there jobs are.
Gary Lucas said:I wounder what lakes are next? At what point in time are we going to stand tall and not grab our ankles. Envirormenltlist portest all the time and make the news and it seem to work for them -
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