FY 2019 Enforcement of ESA Related Restrictions on Skagit Watershed

This project provided stronger fisheries enforcement patrol presence during the period when the Chinook are present in the spawning areas and the Skagit River, to ensure compliance with Chinook harvest restrictions. The patrol effort targeted Skagit River, Skagit Bay and Samish River and Bay. Swinomish Patrols Skagit River primarily below Mount Vernon, North Fork Jetty and Skagit Bay, starting at the end of May with regular routine patrols in June through the rest of the year. This project reduced potential loss of listed Chinook from illegal harvest, through a high enforcement presence. This ensures that harvest mortality and spawning escapement are consistent with the Puget Sound Chinook harvest plan. The increased enforcement presence also benefitted other species, such as Baker River sockeye, Skagit coho, chum and steelhead.

This project will reduce potential loss of listed Chinook from illegal harvest, through a high enforcement presence. This will ensure that harvest mortality and spawning escapement are consistent with the Puget Sound Chinook harvest plan. The increased enforcement presence will also benefit other species, such as Baker River sockeye, Skagit coho, chum and steelhead.