NORTHWEST SPORTFISHING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENDORSES GOVERNOR CHRISTINE GREGOIRE FOR 2ND TERM

On Thursday October 23, 2008, business representatives of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association from throughout the state met with Washington Governor Christine Gregoire to express their deepening concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions and uncertain future facing our region's providers of recreational fishing equipment and opportunity. In attendance were Lonnie Schmidt from Sportco in Fife and Outdoor Emporium in Seattle, Mark Spada Western Regional Sales Manager of Yakima Baits in Granger, Brad Schoenborn of BS Fish Tales and Bobs Sporting Goods in Longview and Scott Weedman, co-owner of Three Rivers Marine and Tackle in Woodinville. The Governor listened as each representative painted a picture of the statewide economic crisis facing their individual businesses.

The governor reconfirmed her commitment to focus policy on the implementation of selective fishing and hatchery reform as the cornerstones to achieving recovery of declining salmon and steelhead populations. Selective fishing and hatchery reform implementation will result in longer more predicable seasons for the industry and fishing public. Governor Gregoire expressed a commitment to keeping Washington anglers from leaving the state and to increasing tourism dollars while allowing endangered wild stocks to recover. This effort will be essential for the economic survival of the individual businesses around the state and will be a boost to state coffers in the form of increased tax revenues and license sales.

Governor Gregoire's priority to appoint WDF&W Commissioners who have qualified conservation and science backgrounds is a necessary step towards solving the scientific and political complexities surrounding implementation. Confirmation of her selections will receive more focus in the upcoming legislative session.

There was acknowledgement of the Governor's environmental and conservation record culminating in the creation of the Puget Sound Partnership and her determination to make Hoods Canal and Puget Sound clean and fishable for future generations.

The owners and their representatives felt that NSIA's support for selective harvest and hatchery reforms are natural components of the Governor's goals for the Puget Sound.

The sport fishing industry businessmen left the meeting convinced that Governor Gregoire has a clear vision of the changes that are necessary in order to protect and recover Washington's signature salmon and steelhead runs and the community-based businesses dependent on the health of these fishery resources. Sharing this vision, the NSIA board of directors voted unanimously to endorse Governor Gregoire's bid for re-election.

For more information, contact NSIA: 866.315.NSIA

Media Contact
HSIA (866) 315-NSIA