CLACKAMAS, Ore. — Fishery managers in Oregon and Washington are seeking candidates to fill positions on two advisory committees that provide guidance for sport and commercial fisheries on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The term is for three years from January 2021 through December 2023.

The two states’ fish and wildlife departments will accept nominations to these advisory groups through Tuesday, Nov. 24. The two groups meet two to four times per year to assist with developing recommendations for their respective salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and smelt fisheries.

Members are also expected to participate in other related processes such as North of Falcon (summer/fall salmon season-setting process), and Columbia River Compact (commercial) or joint state (recreational) hearings.

“Advisory group members provide an important voice for the fishing public,” said Tucker Jones, ODFW Program Manager for Ocean Salmon and Columbia River Fisheries. “We’re looking for candidates who are interested in filling that role.”

“Up to 20 candidates (combined) from Oregon and Washington will be chosen for each advisory group, which together represent most aspects of the fishing industry in Columbia River,” Jones added.

Individuals may self-apply or be nominated by a group or another individual; however, nominees must be willing to serve if selected. Current members may re-apply by contacting staff and expressing interest in serving an additional term, but past attendance and participation will be considered for re-appointment. New applicants will be selected based on experience in fisheries, willingness to engage in the management process, geographic and diverse affiliation representation, and their ability to communicate with fishery managers.

Nominations for new advisors must be accompanied by a résume of the nominee, including the following information:

• Name, address, telephone number, and email address for nominee, and if applicable, the individual or organization submitting the nomination.
• Description/listing of which Columbia River Basin fisheries (area and season) the nominee participates in, including the number of years the nominee has participated in each. Please note which fisheries are of specific interest.
• Description of reasons why the nominee wants to serve as an advisor. Description of how the nominee intends to communicate information with other constituents in their local areas.
• Affiliations with fishery-related organizations.

Oregon resident nominations can be submitted to ODFW by mail at 17330 SE Evelyn St., Clackamas, OR 97015, by FAX at (971) 673-6072, or by email to Sarah.R.Sapienza@state.or.us.

Washington resident nominations can be submitted to WDFW by mail at 5525 S. 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642, by fax at (360) 906-6776, or by email to myrtice.dobler@dfw.wa.gov.

For more information, please contact either Ryan Lothrop with WDFW at (360) 902-2808 or John North with ODFW at (971) 673-6029.