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

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.