STATE OF WASHINGTON July 2007 Evaluate Selective Fishing in the Willapa River, a Pacific Northwest Estuary by C.E. Ashbrook, J.F. Dixon, K. E. Ryding, K.W. Hassel, and E. A. Schwartz WashingtonWashington DepartmentDepartment ofof FISHFISH ANDAND WILDLIFEWILDLIFE FishFish ProgramProgram Science Division FPT 06-06 Evaluate selective fishing in the Willapa River, a Pacific Northwest estuary Final report for Saltonstall Kennedy #NA03NMF4270133 Ashbrook, C.E., J.F. Dixon, K.E. Ryding, K.W. Hassel, and E. A. Schwartz Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 600 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA 98501 Email:
[email protected] Telephone: (360) 902-2672 Facsimile: (360) 902-2944 July 2007 Abstract Selective fishing is defined as the ability of a fishing operation to avoid non-target species and stocks, or when encountered, to capture and release them in a manner that minimizes mortality. Commercial and sport gears were tested in an estuary environment to selectively harvest adult hatchery coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and release natural coho and fall Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) bycatch. Experienced commercial fishers fished tangle nets (8.9 cm (3.5”) mesh size, multifilament net) and gill nets (14.6 cm (5.75”) mesh size, monofilament net) suitable for a coho fishery. To minimize mortality as much as possible, fishers also used careful handling techniques, a revival box, a shorter net, and shorter soak times. During the same time period, experienced sport fishers fished using barbless hooks and herring. Live fish were tagged and released for recovery in sport fisheries, commercial fisheries, at hatchery racks, and during spawning ground surveys. Overall, the tangle net performed better for condition at capture and release.