THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are seeking applications for membership on the Columbia River Recreational Fisheries Advisory Group and the Columbia River Commercial Fisheries Advisory Group for the 2027-2029 term. The new term begins in January 2027 and ends in December 2029. The departments are accepting applications through Nov. 1, 2026.
The purpose of the Advisory Groups is to provide input to department staff on the development and implementation of jointly managed salmon/steelhead, sturgeon, and smelt fisheries in the Columbia River, within various management constraints such as the Endangered Species Act, U.S. v. Oregon Management Agreement, and escapement needs.
Advisors serve as communication links between the two departments and the fishing interests in their areas. This includes sharing key information and communicating the context and reasons for various policy and fishery management decisions. The Recreational Fishing Advisory Group focuses on recreational fisheries managed by Oregon and Washington in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco, Washington. The Commercial Fishing Advisory Group addresses non-treaty commercial fisheries in the Columbia River, including Select Area fisheries.
Up to 20 individuals will be selected for each advisory group to represent a wide array of fishing interests. See current members of the advisory groups at ODFW’s webpages for Recreational Fishing Advisory Group and the Commercial Fishing Advisory Group.
Membership of the Recreational Fishing Advisory Group is intended to represent recreational fishing interests throughout the mainstem Columbia River in both states and to reflect participation in all segments of the Columbia River recreational fishing sector, including private anglers and the sportfishing industry, such as charter and guide services, local and large-scale retailers, ports, and manufacturers.
Membership of the Commercial Fishing Advisory Group is intended to represent commercial fishing interests throughout the lower Columbia River and Select Area sites in both states and to reflect participation in all segments of the Columbia River commercial fishing sector, including fishers, buyers and processors, suppliers, and ports.
It is expected that the two advisory groups will meet about four times per year, including at public meetings held as part of the North of Falcon summer and fall season-planning process. Advisory Group meetings tend to be concentrated during the winter and spring months. Meetings may be held virtually, by conference call, or in person. Additional meetings with selected advisors may be required to address specific issues. Members will be expected to provide input at Columbia River Compact and Joint State hearings through attendance and testimony throughout the year.
“These advisory groups provide an important connection between the public and fishery managers from the states of Washington and Oregon. They provide a forum for us to communicate out important information relevant to the management of these complex fisheries and for us to hear from the public their informed perspectives of Columbia River fisheries management,” said Jeff Whisler, ODFW Columbia River fishery manager.
Advisors will be selected based on their fisheries experience, willingness to engage in the management process, diverse geographic and affiliation representation, and their ability to communicate with fishery managers.
Individuals may apply themselves or be nominated by a group or another individual; however, nominees must be willing to serve if selected. Current advisors may reapply and may be reappointed.
Applications for new advisors (including for nominated individuals) must include the following:
- Name, address, telephone number, and email address for the applicant and, if applicable, the individual or organization submitting the nomination.
- Description or listing of which Columbia River Basin fisheries, including area and season, in which the applicant participates, and the number of years the applicant has participated in each. Applicants should identify the fisheries in which they have a specific interest.
- Description of reasons the applicant wants to serve as an advisor and how they intend to communicate information with other constituents in their local areas.
- Affiliations to fishery-related organizations and/or guides/charters (if applicable).
Oregon residents may submit applications or nominations to ODFW by email to: crista.a.gortmaker@odfw.oregon.gov or by mail to ODFW, Attn: Crista Gortmaker, 14020 Southeast Johnson Road, Suite 205, Portland, OR 97267.
Applications must be received no later than Nov. 1, 2026.
