Reef Study Puget Sound: Steelheader.net- Steelhead, Salmon and trout fishing

Thanks Aunty. The time FLEW by. We had sort of a plan but didn't stick to it. Rob and I talked after the show and both said we need more time to get out the facts. As far as who supports and who doesn't, we literally have the who’s who of fish management and science involved but some folks didn't want their name used on the radio.

For Gooose and others, the plan is way more defined than came out this morning. The goal is to examine ways to conserve and restore specific groundfish stocks. One way is using the best science available and working with NMFS, WDFW and others to develop a scientific research plan. The goal of the proposed "project" is to build and operate artificial reefs that facilitate research, conservation, education and (at some point in the future) recreational fishing and diving.

The goal for the "research" is to determine how to maximize fish abundance and diversity on artificial reefs.

We propose the use of artificial reefs so we can have two with the same properties in a set, one for control. The existing proposal is for 6 sets of 2 for a total of 12 reefs 100’ long and 8-15’ tall. The research outline also proposes to study the effects of supplementing (small scale) artificial reefs with hatchery fish.

This is presently proposed to be a six year study. We are at year zero; year one starts with permitting. The next step is for WDFW and NMFS to work together with others to identify proposed sites, survey those sites and, at the same time, work on the actual reef design. We anticipate that will take about a year. While every person I have contacted is supportive, that doesn’t necessarily mean their agency is supportive. And there are also several other state and federal agencies and sovereign nations involved in the process, any one of which can put a stick in the spokes. In addition, as I stated this morning, every square inch of Puget Sound is important to someone for some reason.

We know for a fact that simply dumping mass quantities of concrete on the bottom will result in that structure being occupied by numerous species of marine life. That’s not scientific or research and wouldn’t pass muster with WDFW or most other permitting agencies.

Goose, I would be happy to share a draft of the research outline for your review and comment.

We would also like to explore what might be done to restore near shore habitat like kelp and eelgrass. In addition we realize removing derelict gear will restore existing habitat and result in immediate improvement. Right now we are nowhere on those issues.

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Rockfish rock!