Continued from page 1Salmon Along the Pacific Coast
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FERC Hearing. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Water and Power has tentatively scheduled a hearing on Oct. 30, 1997, to review the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's hydroelectric relicensing procedures. [personal communication]
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{Salmon Habitat Destruction Conviction. On Oct. 21, 1997, an OR logger pleaded no contest before a Circuit Judge to a felony charge of criminal mischief and three misdemeanor offenses for bulldozing a logjam in the North Fork of the Nehalem River, resulting in the crushing of 35,000 salmon eggs, and logging large trees along the streambank. This is believed to be the first felony conviction in OR for salmon habitat destruction. The individual forfeited bail and was fined and placed on probation for two years. OR state officials believe this case will establish legal precedents helpful in better protecting salmon habitat.} [Assoc Press]
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{Fisheries Renewal. On Oct. 21, 1997, BC Fisheries Minister Corky Evans announced that Fisheries Renewal, a government corporation established to protect fish habitat, enhance fish stocks, and create new jobs, will have an initial budget of C$16.3 million. The BC government is considering a fish tax to raise funds for Fisheries Renewal.} [Assoc Press]
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Salmon Spawn Protection. On Oct. 19, 1997, Bonneville Power Administration will begin an annual month-long procedure wherein outflow is reduced from Grand Coulee reservoir to lower Columbia River water levels and force salmon to spawn in deeper waters. This reduces the likelihood that developing eggs and juvenile salmon could be harmed by lower waters in spring. This operation also reduces the available hydropower supply. [Assoc Press]
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BC Salmon Allocation. On Oct. 16, 1997, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced that consultations on equitable allocation of Pacific salmon harvest among commercial, recreational, and aboriginal constituencies would begin after the conclusion of the 1997 salmon season. Retired BC Supreme and Appeals Court judge Samuel Toy will be Mr. Anderson's independent advisor working with stakeholders and is tentatively scheduled to report to the Minister by mid-February 1998. [Assoc Press]
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Lower Granite Dam Salmon Bypass. On Oct. 9, 1997, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that a $11.2 million contract had been awarded for construction of a salmon bypass screen for Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River. This "behavioral guidance structure" prototype would be designed to direct juvenile salmon to surface collectors and away from dam turbines. Construction of the 1,100-foot structure is due to be completed by Apr. 1, 1998, and will then undergo a year or more of testing to determine its effectiveness. [Assoc Press]
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NPPC Project Review. On Oct. 7, 1997, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission wrote to the NPPC protesting the harsh review received by proposed tribal salmon programs. On Oct. 8, 1997, the NPPC sent a letter to 3 Cabinet Secretaries and several federal agencies urging that these entities join the NPPC in financing a coordinated review of all hatchery facilities in the Columbia River basin. [Assoc Press, NPPC Congressional Update, NPPC news release]
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Salmon River Rafting Restrictions. On Oct. 6, 1997, the U.S. Forest Service reopened the upper Salmon River, ID, to outfitted float trips; the river remains closed to private kayakers and rafters. [Assoc Press]
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Pacific Salmon Treaty. On Oct. 1, 1997, a British Columbian member of the Canadian Parliament was removed from the House of Commons after accusing Fisheries Minister David Anderson of treason. On Oct. 2, 1997, Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy met with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to affirm a commitment to make the discussions between envoys productive. On Oct. 6, 1997, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson stated that it was doubtful that the Canadian federal government would join British Columbia's lawsuit against Alaska over alleged overfishing of salmon. A preliminary progress report by U.S. and Canadian special envoys to President Clinton and Prime Minister Chretien has been tentatively scheduled for Nov. 19, 1997, during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Vancouver, BC. On Oct. 15, 1997, Canadian Fisheries Minister David Anderson announced C$2.7 million was to be provided by the Canadian federal government for habitat restoration and salmon enhancement in Port Alberni, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, and Courtenay, BC. {On Oct. 16, 1997, BC Premier Glen Clark reportedly wrote to Members of the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans urging them to not abandon the Pacific Salmon Treaty.} [Assoc Press, Reuters, Dow Jones News]
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Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon. On Sept. 30, 1997, AK Governor Tony Knowles formally requested that the Clinton Administration declare the 1997 Bristol Bay sockeye salmon run a disaster. Gov. Knowles requested federal assistance (unemployment assistance and Small Business Administration loans) to ease economic dislocation in the Bristol Bay area. [Assoc Press]
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WA Hatchery Closures. On Sept. 30, 1997, WA Dept. of Fish and Game officials announced that three Columbia River salmon and steelhead hatcheries would be closed and the output of other hatcheries reduced if FY1998 federal funding under the Mitchell Act is reduced as suggested by NMFS officials. [Assoc Press]
. Aquaculture and Aquaria
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{{Chilean Salmon. On Oct. 23, 1997, economists from GA State Univ. and the Univ. of South FL released a report estimating that imports of fresh Atlantic salmon to the United States from Chile directly support an estimated 6,054 full-time U.S. jobs and add almost $110 million to the U.S. economy. Indirect impacts contribute an additional 1,572 full-time U.S. jobs and an additional $66 million in income. An estimated 93% of imported Chilean salmon passes through the port of Miami, FL.}} [Salmon Trade Alliance press release]
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{{Oil Spill Damages Malaysian Fish Farms. On Oct. 22, 1997, a 20-mile-long oil slick was reported to have "enveloped" several fish and prawn farms along Malaysia's southwest coast. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 metric tons of heavy marine fuel oil spilled when two tankers collided in Singapore Strait on Oct. 16, 1997.}} [Reuters]
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{UnderWater World Bankruptcy. On Oct. 17, 1997, UnderWater World at MN's Mall of America filed a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from creditors while preparing a plan to restructure its finances. Financial problems were attributed to overly optimistic attendance projections and high interest rates on financing.} [Assoc Press]
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{TX Shrimp Escape. In early October 1997, the TX Dept. of Parks and Wildlife confirmed the presence of non-native Pacific white shrimp in Matagorda Bay. This species is cultivated by TX shrimp aquaculture operations, and are believed to have escaped from or been released by one or more of the four shrimp farms located in the vicinity of Matagorda Bay.} [Wall Street Journal]
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Norwegian Salmon. On Sept. 29, 1997, the EU Council approved regulations establishing "residual" antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of farmed salmon from Norway from companies not adhering to the agreed minimum price; these regulations entered into force on Oct. 1, 1997, and will continue for five years. [Agence Europe via Reuters, Dow Jones News]
.Freshwater Fisheries
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{Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Meeting. The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force is scheduled to hold its fall meeting on Nov. 13-14, 1997, in Riverdale, MD, to review and coordinate various regional programs and measures to monitor and control introduced (exotic) species.} [personal communication]
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FERC Hearing. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Water and Power has tentatively scheduled a hearing on Oct. 30, 1997, to review the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's hydroelectric relicensing procedures. [personal communication]
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{Lead Sinker Ban. A NH Legislature Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Oct. 21, 1997, on proposed legislation banning the use of lead fishing sinkers in NH waters, as a means to increase protection afforded loons.} [Assoc Press]
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Fish Poisoning Conflict. On Oct. 15, 1997, CA Fish and Game managers began using rotenone and other chemicals to poison non-native northern pike in Lake Davis, Plumas County, CA, contrary to two County ordinance that make it illegal to poison County fish. State managers fear that any uncontrolled spread of pike could threaten native salmon and trout populations, while County residents believe the pike have already spread beyond Lake Davis. Residents fear harm from chemicals in surface and ground water sources of drinking water and harm to the local economy from destruction of valuable sport fish. Residents suggest that the lake level should be lowered and the pike netted. State officials believed their authority superseded County law, and asked for a temporary restraining order against enforcement of the local ordinances. The state court ruled that the County ordinances were illegal. Seven protestors were arrested before the poisoning operation began. The state plans to restock the lake with 750,000 trout in four to eight weeks after the poisoning, and is supplying residents with an alternative water supply. [Assoc Press]
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Illegal Sale of Eels. On Oct. 7, 1997, two New York State commercial fishermen had their commercial fishing licenses revoked and were fined and placed on five-years probation for illegally selling contaminated eels taken from Lake Ontario. The eels were subsequently pickled and shipped to eastern European markets. [Assoc Press]
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Tribal Fisheries Jurisdiction. On Oct. 6, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal by the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe challenging state regulation of fishing by non-Indians and non-tribal members on private property and a narrow strip of federal land along the Missouri River on Indian reservations in SD. However, the Lower Brule and Cheyenne River Sioux have negotiated agreements with the Corps of Engineers allowing the tribes to regulate fishing on Corps land along the Missouri River on their reservations. [Assoc Press]
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AK Subsistence Fisheries. On Sept. 30, 1997, language was incorporated into H.R. 2107, Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, by conference committee to postpone federal management of AK subsistence fisheries until Dec. 1, 1998, to allow additional time for a Nov. 1998 state vote on modifying the AK state constitution. [Assoc Press]
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Pfiesteria? On Sept. 29-30, 1997, scientists from the District of Columbia and eight coastal states gathered at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA, for a workshop to plan a multi-state program to provide additional information on the human health effects of exposure to Pfiesteria toxins. On Sept. 30, 1997, officials of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that CDC was beginning a multi-state study of the association between Pfiesteria and human illness. In early October 1997, MD officials stated that nine more people had reported illness possibly related to Pfiesteria, including seven state workers who tested Chicamacomico River water, a swimmer in contact with Nanticoke River water and a diver in contact with Wicomico Creek water. On Oct. 2, 1997, MD officials confirmed that a Pfiesteria-like organism has been identified in water from the Chicamacomico River. Seven individuals were reported to have contacted a VA hotline with symptoms of illness possibly related to Pfiesteria exposure in three different, but unidentified, waterways. On Oct. 2, 1997, sampling on the Chicamacomico River and Kings Creek revealed more than 20% of the fish with lesions. On Oct. 3, 1997, a VA task force studying Pfiesteria held a public meeting at the VA Institute of Marine Science to explain its research. On Oct. 3, 1997, MD and VA officials reopened waters of the lower Pocomoke River to public use. MD officials released new guidelines that would allow waterways to be reopened two weeks after signs of fish kills or erratic fish activity cease. On Oct. 6, 1997, the VA House of Delegates Committee on the Chesapeake Bay and Its Tributaries met to take testimony on the Pfiesteria situation. On Oct. 6, 1997, officials of the FL Dept. of Environmental Protection took action to convene a task force to examine the threat of Pfiesteria to FL citizens and resources. On Oct. 8, 1997, U.S. Geological Survey scientists reported that analysis of Chesapeake Bay sediment cores revealed that Pfiesteria-like organisms inhabited the Bay thousands of years ago. On Oct. 8, 1997, VA officials reported that preliminary medical tests indicate the Pfiesteria-like symptoms of four individuals were not likely related to exposure to Pfiesteria toxin. On Oct 9, 1997, the House Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans held a hearing on Pfiesteria and its impact on fishery resources. On Oct. 13, 1997, the MD Commission on Pfiesteria began considering recommendations it will make to the MD Legislature. Although the Commission basically agrees that too much phosphorus in waterways is a problem, members differ on how best to reduce or limit phosphorus and to what extent farmers should be more stringently regulated. On Oct. 15, 1997, MD officials launched a $500,000 seafood awareness campaign to address consumer concerns about possible effects of Pfiesteria on seafood safety. {On Oct. 21, 1997, MD's Citizens Pfiesteria Action Commission agreed unanimously that nitrogen and phosphorus probably were contributing causes for fish lesions in three MD waterways this year. The Commission has also unanimously agreed to monitor health reports among people exposed to water on the lower shore and to begin an educational program encouraging residents to reduce chemical fertilizer use.} [Assoc Press, MD Dept. of Agriculture press release, Reuters, personal communication, Congr. Record, U.S. Geological Survey press release]
. Marine Mammals
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{Sealing Conference. The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission has scheduled an international conference on "Sealing the Future" for Nov. 25-27, 1997, in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.} [Conference brochure]
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{Japanese Whalemeat Sale. On Oct. 23, 1997, the Japanese Institute of Cetacean Research announced that 298 tons of meat taken from 100 minke whales killed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean during May-July 1997 would be placed on the domestic market on Oct. 24, 1997; 31 tons for school lunches, 156 tons for canning, and 111 tons for direct markets. The wholesale price was set at 49,000 yen per 15 kilogram block of meat.} [Dow Jones News]
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{Canadian Right Whale Meeting. On Oct. 21, 1997, Canadian scientists, environmentalists, and government managers met in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to discuss ways to increase protection for northern right whales. Participants agreed to word together to develop a plan to better protect this species in Canadian waters.} [Assoc Press]
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{Makah Whaling Lawsuit. On Oct. 17, 1997, U.S. Representative Jack Metcalf (R-WA), animal protection advocates, and a Makah tribal elder filed suit in U.S. District Court (Washington, DC) against Commerce Secretary William Daley, seeking to prohibit federal assistance for the WA state's Makah Tribe's efforts to begin killing five gray whales annually for cultural and subsistence purposes. The lawsuit charges that such whaling would violate the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, and the Whaling Convention Act.} [Assoc Press]
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{Polar Bear Fund. On Oct. 17, 1997, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced the creation of a fund to promote polar bear conservation research and management programs in Alaska and Russia. Initial funding of the project was derived from fees collected by the FWS for permits to import polar bear trophies from Canada. Activities to be funded include harvest monitoring management, aerial den or population surveys, and technical assistance for enforcement efforts.} [FWS press release]
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Keiko. In early October 1997, the Associated Press reported increasing discord between the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation over Keiko's care, health, and rehabilitation techniques. On Oct. 1, 1997, the Board of the Oregon Coast Aquarium requested an independent evaluation of Keiko's health, claiming that the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation has not regularly shared medical and rehabilitation information with the Aquarium. On Oct. 3, 1997, officials of the OR Veterinary Medical Examining Board announced that the Board was initiating an investigation of Keiko's care and the legality of current arrangements for such care. On Oct. 7, 1997, the OR Veterinary Medical Association recommended that an independent team composed of NMFS, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine personnel be formed to render an unbiased opinion on Keiko's health and fitness for possible release. On Oct. 14, 1997, officials of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced that Keiko's pool as well as logs of his feeding, medication, and veterinary care passed a surprise inspection conducted on Oct. 8, 1997. On Oct. 14, 1997, the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation announced that it was discussing the possibility of moving Keiko from the Oregon Coast Aquarium to a pen in Depoe Bay, OR. {On Oct. 17, 1997, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provided recommended procedures for creating an independent panel to review Keiko's health to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation.} [Assoc Press, Oregon Coast Aquarium press release, Free Willy-Keiko Foundation press release, OR Veterinary Medical Association press release]
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{Passamaquoddy Porpoise Hunting. In early October 1997, Passamaquoddy leaders met with federal officials to discuss exercising what the tribe considers a sacred right to hunt porpoise in waters offshore of ME.} [Assoc Press]
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IWC Meeting. In early October 1997, Britain's Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley wrote a letter to members of Parliament expressing support for an Irish proposal allowing a limited resumption of commercial whaling in which Japan, Norway, and possibly other nations would be permitted to kill certain whales in their coastal waters in exchange for establishing a global whale sanctuary in all international waters, banning international trade in whale products, and prohibiting research whaling. On Oct. 15, 1997, Britain's Agriculture and Fisheries Minister reconsidered his earlier position and suggested that flaws in the Irish proposal would prevent the British government from supporting it. {On Oct. 20, 1997, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) opened its 49th annual meeting in Monte Carlo, Monaco. On Oct. 21, 1997, voting on a Japanese proposal that IWC decisions be made by secret ballot was postponed. On Oct. 22, 1997, Japan was reportedly ready to offer a compromise limiting the use of the electric lance in favor of using rifles to kill whales that do not die immediately from explosive harpoons. On Oct. 22, 1997, the United States and Russia presented a joint request for a five-year aboriginal whaling quota of 280 bowhead and 620 gray whales in the North Pacific. The IWC approved a joint U.S.-Russia bowhead quota for an average 56 whales landed annually, but postponed a decision on the gray whale quota. On Oct. 22, 1997, relating to the proposed Makah whaling, Russia's Chukchi people proposed exchanging four gray whales from their annual quota of 140 gray whales in return for receiving five bowhead whales from AK's Inuit annual quota of 67 bowhead whales. Such an exchange would be formalized by bilateral agreement between Russia and the United States.} {{On Oct. 23, 1997, the IWC adopted the joint U.S.-Russian quota proposed for gray whales, with a five-year aboriginal subsistence hunt averaging four gray whales a year for WA state's Makah tribe and an average annual harvest of 120 gray whales for Russia's Chukchi people. The Makah will develop a managment plan for their subsistence whaling and anticipate their first hunt in fall 1998. On Oct. 23, 1997, the IWC agreed that whalers, when whales are not immediately killed by an exploding harpoon, must try to kill whales by rifle and use electric lances only in extreme cases. On Oct. 23, 1997, the IWC voted 12-16 (with 4 abstentions) on a Japanese request for an annual quota of 50 minke whales for four coastal villages, failing to reach the required three-fourths majortiy necessary for approval. On Oct. 24, 1997, the IWC approved a non-binding resolution calling upon Japan to practice self-restraint with respect to research whaling in the Antarctic.}} [Reuters, Dow Jones News, NOAA press release]
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Canadian Seal Cull. As of Oct. 1, 1997, Canadian fisheries officers had killed 17 seals in the Puntledge River on Vancouver Island near Courtenay, BC, in Canada's first seal cull aimed at protecting vulnerable salmon and trout populations. Another 23 seals are expected to be killed during the next week. [Assoc Press]
Items in this summary are excerpted from a variety of information sources. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is not responsible for the accuracy of the various news items.
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