State, tribes pursue separate plans for Puget Sound salmon

SEATTLE (AP) — State and tribal fishery officials are pursuing separate plans for salmon fishing in Puget Sound this year after failing to agree on a joint plan.


The Department of Fish and Wildlife and Puget Sound tribes say they will seek separate federal approval for salmon fisheries after negotiations between the parties reached an impasse.

The Seattle Times reports it's unclear whether the state plan could gain approval in time for the new season, which begins May 1 and runs for 12 months for sport anglers and nontribal commercial fishermen.

The tribe and state couldn't agree over what harvest cuts or closures to make and by whom to protect the weak wild coho and chinook runs.

The tribes said Wednesday they plan to limit fisheries this year to minimize impacts on record low returns of coho.