Cooperation

Farms and fish can live together

The Skagit Valley Herald editorializes on a plan to streamline permits for tide gate repairs:

The reality is that the tidegates impede salmon trying to navigate the labyrinth of delta sloughs, streamlets and marshes in their way between upriver spawning grounds and the ocean.

Furthermore, large segments of the estuarine habitat that fish need to strengthen themselves before heading out to sea have been diked and drained over the past several decades for farming.

(more…)

Continue ReadingFarms and fish can live together

Let’s Get Back On The Right Path

Whoever you are, whatever you do and wherever you live in the state of Washington, it is to your benefit to support state and tribal co-management of the fisheries resource.

There are a number of reasons why this is undeniably true. For one, it’s the law. Co-management is legally mandated by federal law. For another, it avoids litigation that can waste millions of dollars, years of time and tons of energy; yet seldom accomplishes a thing. Co-management also provides an opportunity for the people of this nation to do something they can be proud of — keep their word. The tribes are here to stay, and their treaty rights are as valid as the Constitution that protects them.

So, what does this mean to the fish? For that matter, what does it mean to us humans?

(more…)

Continue ReadingLet’s Get Back On The Right Path