Viewpoints
Fish Traps
By Rudy McGillvray
January 06, 2009
Tuesday
In light of the high price of deisel fuel for boats, perhaps
fish traps are not a bad idea. They are and were the most efficient
way to catch fish. They just need better management.
Ok, I'll bet I've got your attention now. There are approximately
20 seine permits out chasing salmon every summer, and they mostly
fish in the same areas, they all have to buy about 500 to 700
gallons of fuel per trip. That is the first adder to the cost
of catching a large amount of salmon. Don't forget the skiff
on the other end of the net. THe time it takes to get to the
fishing grounds, the crew a boat has to have to haul the net
after a set, are all adders to the cost of catching our fish.
Fish traps, on the other hand, do not cost any fuel, once set
in place, and anyone with a seine permit would own a share in
one. That is, the permit owner would be allowed a share of the
fish trapped according to his catch history to the date set by
fisheries managers. Who, in adddition would be the ones actually
operating the traps. The state in its management wisdom, which
has done a fine job so far, would decide the openings and closings
of the trap to shore lead, that would allow sufficient escapement
to ensure future runs of salmon. The persons actually working
the trap would be employees of the state fish and game unit,
where the trap is operating. The seiners and gillnetters, who
don't want to pay for high-priced fuel, would share in the costs
of trap operation, and benefit through share ownership in the
operating trap.
The public would benefit from perhaps a lower priced, healthy
wild product. I tend to see it as a win-win situation. Less high-cost
fuel burned, less expense costs in catching said fish. And the
least damage to the fish caught.
Just something to contemplate while sitting around trying to
think of ways to help "green" the planet.
Yours, in efficient fishing,
Rudy McGillvray
Ketchikan, AK
About: "Long-time resident,
since before statehood."
Received January 06, 2009 -
Published January 06, 2009
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