PR 32 08
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2008
CONTACT: Scott Simms, BPA, 503-230-3520; Russell Porter,
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, 503-595-3100
MEDIA ADVISORY
Pikeminnow sport reward fishing begins; angling tips and close encounters with the salmon eater Wednesday, May 7
Portland, Ore. - Anglers can earn cash and help save salmon by participating in the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program, which kicked off this week in the lower Columbia and Snake rivers and will continue until Sept. 28. Media are invited to get an up-close look at these salmon predators and learn how to catch them from the experts - and earn money from the catch.
The Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program is designed to reduce the number of, but not eradicate, northern pikeminnow. These fish, a large member of the minnow family, eat millions of young salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers each year. Researchers believe reducing the number of these predators can greatly help salmon and steelhead survival.
What:
- Get demonstrations and tips on how to catch pikeminnow and what tackle works best;
- See live pikeminnow in an aquarium on the banks of the Columbia River in Portland
- Talk to the experts about the success of the program and how anglers can make up to $500 per fish as they catch pikeminnow and save salmon at the same time.
When:
Wednesday, May 7, 2008, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Where:
M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp on the Columbia River. Take exit 307 off of I-5, head east on NE Marine Drive. The boat ramp is across from Portland International Airport at 15475 Ferry Road.
Who:
Officials from the Bonneville Power Administration, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Background:
- Since 1991, more than 3.2 million northern pikeminnow have been removed from the Snake and Columbia rivers through the sport reward program.
- Last year, 191,154 northern pikeminnow were caught through this program. As a result, northern pikeminnow predation on juvenile salmon in 2007 was cut by an estimated 37 percent.
- The program is administered by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration, which is directed by the 1980 Pacific Northwest Power Act to fund work to improve salmon runs harmed by federal hydroelectric dams.
- Additional information can be found at www.pikeminnow.org.
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