Ocean Shores advisory board discusses changing ordinance to allow carp hunting after Fish and Wildlife meeting

Members of the Fresh Waterways Advisory Board discussed on Aug. 4 a recent meeting with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials about options for managing invasive grass carp in Ocean Shores waterways and whether to ask City Council to amend local rules that currently prohibit hunting the fish. The discussion matters because Fish and Wildlife representatives told the board they could offer targeted tools and technical help only if the city first clarified what it wants the waterways to be 2D a fishery or a more cleared/swimmable water body 2D and suggested that removing the city27s prohibition on hunting carp would be the first step toward some removal options. Board member James, who led the delegation to the state agency, said the department described local…