Fishermen protest tribal fishery as Puget Sound closure begins – Seattle Times

Big news…the fishing “wars” continue as the salmon continue to decline.  For those new to Puget Sound, look up ‘The Boldt Decision’ to better understand this complex issue.

With the closure of Puget Sound salmon fisheries this week and the possibility of no summer fishing season, about 20 fishermen gathered Wednesday morning in La Conner to protest the start of a tribal fishery. Nontribal fishermen at the protest said if they can’t fish, the tribes shouldn’t either…. Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Chair Lorraine Loomis said Swinomish Indian Tribal Community fishermen are gathering chinook salmon this week in preparation for annual ceremonies, including the tribe’s Blessing of the Fleet. Kimberly Cauvel reports. (Skagit Valley Herald) See also: Sport fishermen protest ‘broken’ program as tribe gillnets chinook http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/sport-fishermen-angry-over-tribal-gillnetting-salmon-catch/ Hal Bernton reports. (Seattle Times)

http://www.goskagit.com/news/fishermen-protest-tribal-fishery-as-puget-sound-closure-begins/article_e546bd2a-65d9-5b69-a0ac-6972940447d2.html

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