Commission asks director to explore joint letter to Pacific Salmon Commission on salmon interceptions

Commissioners discussed whether the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission should press for changes to where salmon are caught on the high seas and whether a formal letter to the Pacific Salmon Commission would be useful. Chair Anderson summarized the outcome: commissioners expressed interest in doing something “in the form of, like, a written form” but cautioned that any action must be done carefully given delicate treaty and negotiation work.

Deputy Director Windrop told commissioners the director had already spoken with his Oregon counterpart and that staff could explore drafting a joint letter. “The director will work with you, chair, on, you know, letting you know, sharing the letter, whatever the pieces might be,” Windrop said. Several commissioners, including Commissioner Garcia and Commissioner Parker, said the idea made sense but urged coordination with negotiation leads to avoid undermining treaty or annex talks.

When asked about litigation related to interception and biological opinions, Joe Pinesco (department counsel/staff) said he had not been tracking the case closely but recalled that federal agencies had rapidly reissued a biological opinion; he said staff would fold current legal status into future work.

The commission did not vote to send a letter immediately. Instead, members directed the director to work with Pacific‑salmon staff, coordinate with Oregon as appropriate, and return with an approach or recommendation for commission consideration at an upcoming report or meeting.