State, tribes still can't agree on Puget Sound salmon

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A final round of negotiations between the state and tribal fishery managers has failed to end in an agreement on whether to allow salmon fishing in Puget Sound.

Without a deal, salmon fishing will no longer be allowed in Puget Sound starting Sunday.

Both the state and tribes will now seek separate federal approval for salmon fisheries.

Ron Warren with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife says the department will meet Thursday to discuss how long the permit process will take. It's unclear whether the state could get approval in time for the new season, which starts Sunday for sport anglers and nontribal commercial fishermen.

Tribal officials are seeking a permit in time to conduct limited salmon harvests that don't target the wild coho, which has had poor returns.