The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is asking for public comment on the latest draft of its revised Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy (C-3619).

The Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy was originally adopted in November 2009 with a stated purpose to advance the conservation and recovery of wild salmon and steelhead by promoting and guiding the implementation of hatchery reform. The Commission began a comprehensive review of the policy in 2018.

The Commission agreed to put the latest draft of the revised policy out for additional public comment during a virtual meeting on Nov. 6. Members of the public and representatives from salmon conservation and angling organizations also provided in-person comments at the meeting.

The latest draft of the policy is available at wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fish_committee_recommendation_110220_0.pdf. Comment on the revised policy is open until Nov. 30, 2020. The Commission expects to hear an update on the policy at its Dec. 4-5 meeting. Members of the public can submit comments on the draft policy language revisions to commission@dfw.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Hatchery and Fishery Reform Policy review process at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/hatcheries/hatchery-reform-policy-review.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW is the primary state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish and wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.

Individuals who need to receive this information in an alternative format, language, or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact the Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY (711), or email (Title6@dfw.wa.gov).