Connect with us

Oregon

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopts changes to sea urchin regulations, maintains limits on commercial permits

Published

on

Oregon – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted changes to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for sea urchins during a virtual meeting.

Commissioners heard testimony from staff regarding adjustments to address public interest in three activities: recreational harvest of purple sea urchins for personal use, commercial harvest for the retail seafood market, and culling to support seaweed and kelp conservation.

The Commission voted unanimously to amend the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the Marine Zone, allowing a daily catch limit of 35 purple sea urchins per person. A proposal to establish 24 new commercial take permits was rejected, leaving the current system unchanged. The Commission also approved regulatory changes granting the department authority to issue Letters of Authorization for controlled culling of red and purple sea urchins at three priority sites.

“I’m very pleased with the action taken by the Fish and Wildlife Commission today,” said Steve Rumrill, ODFW Shellfish Program Leader. “I appreciate their commitment to conservation of Oregon’s valuable marine resources. The particular actions they took today will help ensure conservation of bull kelp.”

The Private Forest Accord OAR revision agenda item was postponed to allow for a more thorough process and greater stakeholder engagement. Due to time constraints, the Commission also deferred its governance best practices work session to its March meeting.

During the Director’s report, staff provided updates on ODFW’s Hatchery Resiliency Project, including findings from a third-party assessment of state-owned hatcheries and an overview of public engagement efforts.

Public forum speakers included crab fishermen voicing safety concerns regarding current regulations on the season opening, as well as individuals raising issues about the Winchester Dam. Two speakers also requested a review of regulations related to barbless hooks in the Columbia River.

You may also like…

Crime & Safety17 hours ago

Man who didn’t seek medicaI help after realizing his child was going Iimp and had no puIse, only to end up leaving the home to an unknown location and returning days later to find him in an advanced state of dcomposition, was sentenced

Arizona – An Arizona man was sentenced last week after pIeading guilty to two counts of chiId abuse in connection...

Crime & Safety17 hours ago

Woman dies after her husband’s dad, who had been planning the assauIt for a week, followed her and fataIIy shot her because he was angry with her over separation paperwork she had fiIed against his son, police

Illinois – An Illinois man was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the fataI shooting of his family member’s spouse,...

Eugene4 days ago

EPD to host National Night Out event at PK Park on August 3

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department will host its annual National Night Out celebration on Saturday, August 3, at...

Eugene4 days ago

Eugene invites community to participate in 2025 survey to guide future planning

Eugene, OR – The City of Eugene is inviting residents to participate in its 2025 Community Survey, now available online...

Eugene4 days ago

EPD arrests 18-year-old in 2024 Broadway shooting after joint investigation with Springfield Police

Eugene, OR – Eugene Police have arrested 18-year-old Damyen Lee Marshall Peterson in connection with a shooting that occurred in...

Crime & Safety5 days ago

Man claims the person he shared an apartment with repeatedly punched him in the head and ‘just wouldn’t listen’ when he warned him not to come any closer while holding a bIade, after inflicting fataI injuries: police

Indiana – An Indiana man, 25-year-old DrayIon, was arrested and charged with one count of murder following a fatal stabing...

Eugene6 days ago

South Eugene apartment fire quickly contained with dog rescued and no injuries reported

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an apartment fire in South Eugene late Friday morning, quickly containing the...

Crime & Safety6 days ago

49-year-old home invasion suspect arrested with license plate reader assistance

Eugene, OR – On July 23 at approximately 6:57 p.m., the Eugene Police Department (EPD) successfully apprehended 49-year-old Kristi Lee...

Eugene6 days ago

Early morning fire destroys East Eugene home near Hendricks Park, no injuries reported

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a fully involved house fire early Friday morning in the 2800...

Crime & Safety6 days ago

Two arrested in armed robbery at Willamette Street apartment complex

Eugene, OR – Two individuals were taken into custody early Wednesday morning following an armed robbery at an apartment complex...

Eugene6 days ago

Eugene Police celebrates the largest cadet group in more than 15 years, highlighting growth, mentorship, and future leadership

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department is celebrating a major milestone as its Cadet Program reaches its largest group...

Trending