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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM041702 Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee Minutes Wednesday, April!7, 2002 Present: Varn Brooks, Marine Science Practitioner Dave Christensen, Jefferson County Natural Resources Judy Damore, District 1 Jeff Gallant, District 1 Spike Hall, District 3 (Vice Chair) David Jenkins, District 2 Bill Kalina, ex-officio, U.S. Navy, Indian Island Larry Lawson, Commercial Fishing Anne Murphy, District 2 Andrew Palmer, District 3 (Chai r) R~x Rice, Environment Judy Surber, City of Port Townsend Richard Wojt, Jefferson County Commissioners Absent: Larry Crockett, ex-officio, Port of Port Townsend Excused Staff/Guests: John Cambalik, Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team Michelle McConnell, Independent Education/Outreach Consultant Joanna Sanders, MRC Meeting Secretary OPENING BUSINESS Chair Andy Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Port Townsend Community Center, Port Townsend, WA. The minutes of the March meeting were approved. Work plan approval was added to the agenda. OBSERVER COMMENT To assist in its MPA process, John Cambalik agreed to provide the MRC with material developed as part of the EPA-funded Kitsap County watershed-based planning process. He attended a demonstration in Port Orchard at which several contractors looked at ways to minimize creosote leaching from nearshore pilings by covering them with a polyethylene material. He agreed to distribute information from that demonstration and noted there is another demonstration scheduled in Port Angeles later this month. Michelle McConnell provided an update on the Skagit MPA bottom fish recovery project. Phase I involved reviewing scientific data and collecting public input on previously good fishing areas. In Phase II, with a matrix of criteria for eight candidate sites, they will analyze technical data to select two or three areas to pursue for implementation. Although their initial intent was to establish voluntary protected areas, the MRC now sees it as a moot point with WDFW moving fOlWard with a regulatory system for marine reserves. WDFW has a goal of placing 20% of rocky reef habitat in Puget Sound into protective status. The MRC will seek public feedback on May 9 on the analysis of the recommended site findings and then present the Phase II final report results to their County Commissioners and possibly to WDFW. Hopefully WDFW would then pursue negotiations with the tribes and co~managers. Andy Palmer encouraged Ms. McConnell to provide an update after the public meeting. In response to a question about the type of MP As, Ms. McConnell said the design of the MP As would occur in Phase III. OLD BUSINESS REPORT OF GEODUCK ISSUE: Jeff Gallant reported on the recent poaching of nearly 300,000 lb. of geoduck in South Sound. He distributed copies of an abstract of a 1999 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and circulated a map of commercially harvestable geoduck tracts in Jefferson County. According to newspaper articles, this is the third time in 15 years that a major poaching ring for geoduck has been discovered. He noted that one of the men apprehended was a legitimate geoduck harvester. This particular incident represents 12-19% of the legal harvest and it is unclear whether it will materially affect tribal harvest Marine Resources Committee - April 17 , 2002 Page: 2 planned for that area. The EIS allows for between 1 and 4 million pounds per year. Only 3.5% on 500-600 acres are harvested annually, which represents 2.7% of the harvestable pounds out of the 15K acres of tracts. Larry Lawson said to discourage poaching it might be good to determine how much they want for the tract and then bid it out on a lottery basis. When asked what action if any the MRC should take on this matter, Jeff suggested the MRC keep an eye on all regulatory EISs and include a concern for illegal takings in the recovery plan. Larry Lawson and Jeff Gallant agreed to report back to the MRC with more information on which to base any possible MRC action. Commissioner Wojt compared this situation to clear cutting and would expect to hear the same excuses that it is "not harmful" and that "they will grow back." If the EIS assumptions are not followed, there definitely will be a problem. CONFIRM A'ITENDANCE AT THE WSU APRIL 22 TRAINING: Those members expressing interest in attending the April 22 workshop, "Fostering Sustainable Behavior" were Judy Damore, Spike Hall, Larry Lawson, Judy Surber and Rex Rice. Anne Murphy said she will attend, but not as an MRC member. LONG-RANGE PLANNING UPDATE: Andy Palmer reported the Executive Committee has not yet had a chance to work on long-range planning, but will meet next week on its concept for long-range work. WORK PLAN APPROVAL: Andy Palmer reported that Barbara Bowen distributed an electronic version of the work plans to the MRC with a request for comments but none were received. Some MRC members expressed difficulty in opening the attached work plan documents and were asked to contact Barbara Bowen if they needed hard copies. It was noted that the work plan is intended to be a guideline. There was no objection to the 2002 work plan as submitted and it was adopted by consensus. NEW BUSINESS & REPORTS HABITAT STEWARDSHIP PROJECT & OLYMPIA OYSTER RESTORATION REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: Dave Christensen circulated two draft requests for qualification, noting that he incorporated comments from the Executive Committee. Andy Palmer explained the decision to go out competitively and to combine the projects into one RFQ as opposed to a request for proposal. Dave said after each has been reviewed he does not object to showing them as two different tasks in one RFQ and added that he sees no apparent conflict in the timing of the projects. On the Habitat Stewardship scope, Anne Murphy suggested stating that the committee and the contractor overseeing it will develop a work plan. Dave said these details typically become part of the contract negotiation phase. There was no objection to going out for an RFQ as opposed to an RFP including a more detailed scope of work as discussed at the last MRC meeting. Dave agreed to email the drafts to the MRC with final comments to be received by Monday in order to begin advertising by the first of May. NORTHWEST STRAITS COMMISSION REPORT: Anne Murphy reported that Tim Smith, special advisor to the Director of WDFW, talked about WDFW working with an MPA recommendation procedure suggested by the MRCs. WDFW will dedicate two hours of their April 26th meeting to MP A process review procedures. They have identified priority data gaps in Puget Sound as: bottom fish abundance, aging of rockfish, and drift card studies. When asked whether Anchor Environmental disks of GIS maps are readable, it was noted that Barbara Nightingale has the MRCs disks. It was noted that the maps were intended to be helpful in identifying restoration and conservation areas. There was MRC interest in seeing the maps and possibly reproducing the CDs. In response to a question about the Commission's newly proposed grant process, Anne Murphy said the timing of the new funding would be addressed at the administration planning retreat later this month. Dave suggested simplifying the administration grant through contract extensions as opposed to doing new grants each year. OLYMPIA OYSTER RESTORATION BROOD STOCK COLLECTION UPDATE: Anne Murphy said a project update was provided via em ail and the brood stock collection on Indian Island is scheduled for May rt. Bill Kalina will send a reminder email with an exact time. Spike Hall, Andy Marine Resources Committee - April 17, 2002 Page: 3 Palmer, Yarn Brooks, Rex Rice and Judy Damore each expressed interest in a site selection trip May 28 or 29 with Betsy Peabody, Bill Taylor and Kelly Curtis. BEACH SEINE: Anne Murphy agreed to handle phone coordination and forward to the MRC Dan Pentilla's em ail on the April 30 WDFW beach seine in which Varn Brooks, Larry Lawson, Judy Surber expressed interest. JOINT MEETING WITH CLALLAM MRC: Andy Palmer suggested a presentation by People for Puget Sound on the work being done on the Orca Pass Transboundary MP A, the rapid shoreline assessment program done in the northern counties', and the Olympia Oyster Restoration Project. Anne Murphy said that at the last NWSC meeting she spoke with Joe Schmidt of Clallam MRC and Lyn Muench of Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe about having an Orca Pass presentation at a joint Jefferson-Clallam MRC meeting. She noted that the PFPS will present the Orca Pass proposal for endorsement at the NWSC's April 26 meeting. While there was concern about Clallam County's interest in a presentation about MPAs, there was MRC support for trying to schedule a joint meeting. Alternatives suggested were to invite Clallam to share one of their projects, discuss the geoduck issue, or possibly have Skagit come and talk about their MPA project. John Cambalik suggested that forage fish might be of interest. Good leadMtime for a press release was thought to be important on either an Olympia Oyster or Orca Pass presentation. Anne Murphy and Andy Palmer agreed to investigate options for a Joint Meeting with ClaIlam Co. at the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal Center. TRIBAL PARTICIPATION: Anne Murphy said that at the last Commission meeting, Lyn Muench and Doug Dobyns had suggested requesting a representative from Port Gamble. Dave Christensen agreed to contact both Point No Point and Port Gamble tribes. LIBRARY COMMITIEE: Larry Lawson reported that Barbara Bowen has agreed to keep the list serve updated with minutes and agendas. Jeff Gallant said he has the software and suggested an MRC member maintain the site. Dave Christensen mentioned that not only will someone be creating a Department of Natural Resources website linking the MRC page, but there will eventually be a separate committee site off the County server. There was general support for the County staff handling updates with the Library Committee continuing to provide oversight of the content and design. It was noted that more members are needed on this committee. OTHER/ADMINISTRATIVE MEETING LOCATION: Andy Palmer asked about the MRC's preference for meeting locations. Following discussion about the expense of meeting at the Community Center ($360 yr.), there was support for holding the meeting there again next month. There was some question about the availability of equipment. NEXT WORKSHOP: The Executive Committee expressed concern about low attendance at regularly~scheduled workshops. There was support for only holding workshops if needed and therefore there will be no workshop on Tuesday, April 30. OBSERVER COMMENT OBSERVER COMMENTS: John Cambalik reported that as part of salmon recovery efforts, the Conservation Commission is working on a near shore limiting factors analysis (LFA) for WRIA 17, 16 and 14. The' project is scheduled to be completed within 16 months with the help of WDFW, tribes, County, and others. PREPARE AGENDA / ADJOURN The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 7:00 PM in the Port Townsend Community Center, Port Townsend, Washington. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE Marine Resources Committee - Aprìl17, 2002 Page: 4 Andy Palmer, Chair .. ,¡ I r Members attending: Members absent: Alternates attending: Support: Staff: NORTHWEST STRAITS marine conservation initiative Northwest Straits Commission Meeting April 26, 2002 Decisions and Future Agenda Topics DRAFT Paul Dinnel, Mike Stoner, Kevin Ranker, Andrea Copping, Gary Wood, Kent Scudder, Terry Williams, Anne Murphy, Buck Meloy, Kathy Fletcher, Duane Fagergren, Rob Erdman (alt.) Joe Schmitt Kirby Johnson, Mike Sato, Jacques White, Harlan James Doug Dobyns, Terry Stevens Tom Cowan, Sasha Horst Kent Scudder opened the meeting at 10:08 am with introductions and overview of the agenda. He announced that regrettably, Bill Dietrich has resigned from the Commission because he has returned to work for the Seattle Times. The minutes of the March 29 meeting in Clallam County were approved with the addition of the following sentence in the paragraph describing the presentation/discussion with Tim Smith: "Commissioners urged the Department of Fish and Wildlife to maintain funding for the Puget Sound Ambient Monitoring Program." Committee chairs provided their monthly reports. Administrative/Planning Committee, chair, Duane Fagergren provided an update from the meeting on April 16 at which Kathy Fletcher presented the request for endorsement of the Orca Pass International Marine Stewardship Area and the agenda for the AlP strategic planning meeting was discussed. A draft work plan for the derelict gear removal project will be ready on Monday, April 29. Tribal Committee, chair Terry Williams, introduced Harlan James who has tentatively been identified as an alternate to the Commission. Fundraising Committee chair Gary Wood reported on the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and their development of a review process for nearshore projects. There was no report from the Technical Committee. Education Committee, chair, Kathy Fletcher reported progress on the Commission newsletter, which is expected to be complete in early June; the Derelict Gear outreach plan is being developed; a communication workshop is coming up, with a subcommittee meeting on April 29; fact sheets are in progress on Indicator Species and Derelict Gear, which will be available On the web site when complete. Mike Sato and Jacques White of People for Puget Sound presented information about the Orca Pass Stewardship Program. Information included an outline of the Orca Pass concept, an explanation of the process used to develop boundaries and information about the various partners involved in the project. Discussion followed regarding the types of questions individuals and MRCs have. Mike and Jacques have offered to make presentations at MRC meetings. A resolution supporting the concepts of the Orca Pass Stewardship Area will be considered at the June meeting. During public comment, Rachelle Hein, staff for Patty Murray, noted that there are no expected changes in funding levels for the Commission, but that the funding is proposed to be from the NOAA~Ocean Assessment Program. Rich Lincoln of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife introduced Greg Bargmann and Mary Lou Mills. Greg Bargmann presented information about the Puget Sound Groundfish Recovery Plan. A draft copy of this plan was provided for Commissioners. The proposed plan is designed to ensure the long-term health of the resource and take a precautionary approach in order to minimize risk of overharvest. The first management plans expected will be for dogfish and Pacific cod. Mary Lou Mills discussed Marine Protected Areas, Marine Reserves and Conservation Areas and the Department's approach in developing these areas. The next cycle for MPA development will start in May 2003. The Department is also working on an Eco-regional Conservation Plan. Tim Smith of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reviewed the list of questions he is working on for the Commission. The Department has offered a presentation on Fisheries Management at a future meeting; Jack Taggart should have a report on data gaps by late summer; the Department would like to request time at a future meeting for a presentation by their Nearshore Science team; the budget for the ambient monitoring program has been resolved with a plan for reduced monitoring rather than none; Tim will provide information regarding MP A development and what information MRCs would need to provide for the next cycle starting in May 2003. Officers for the Commission were elected for one~year terms. Following the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, Duane Fagergren was elected as chair, and Paul Dinnel was elected as vice~chair. Doug Dobyns, tribal liaison to the Commission, provided a written report. He recently met with Kate Smukler, previously an intern with the Commission, who is now the Indigenous MPA lead at the National MPA Center. The Commission recessed from 3:15 to 3:28pm in order to conduct business of the Northwest Straits Foundation. Terry Stevens provided a financial update and noted the deadline for billing on current MRC action grants. Discussion followed regarding completion of action grants and ensuring high quality deliverables. Buck Meloy provided information about shipping routes into Bellingham Bay and Anacortes, noting several concerns. He recommended that the Commission invite William Devereaux of the Coast Guard to present at a future meeting, and consider touring the vessel traffic facility at the invitation of Jeff Shaw, coordinator of vessels and Whatcom MRC member. MRC representatives summarized their current MRC activities. Clallam MRC made progress on the graphics and content of their web site, reported another previously undocumented surf smelt beach; started a volunteer sampling team for PSP along 48 miles of shoreline. Island MRC had a presentation on commercial fishing by Buck Meloy; is co-sponsoring the Penn Cove Water Festival May 11 with the theme "Life on the Nearshore"; discussed Forage Fish project staffing with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Jefferson MRC will collect brood stock for reintroduction of Olympia Oysters on May 1; discussed prevention of geoduck poaching; is developing a Request for Proposal for a contractor for their upcoming action grant. San Juan MRC participated in a field trip with the Deer Harbor Estuary Assessment Project; has sampled a total of 325 beaches for forage fish; is completing their final report on Bottomfish; requested participation by Orcas residents on the MRC. Skagit MRC discussed shellfish closures in Padilla Bay; will hold a public meeting on Marine Reserves on May 9 in Anacortes; will plant Olympia Oysters in Fidalgo Bay on April 29; had a presentation by Aundrea Noffke on Skagit Systems Cooperative's Nearshore Characterization program. Snohomish MRC had a presentation by the Pilchuck Audubon Society on osprey nests at the mouth of the Snohomish River; is preparing for a presentation to the County Council on May 7; is planning a MRC workshop. Whatcom MRC has started planning for their fall Marine Summit; discussed the MP A benchmark; had a presentation from Greg Bargmann of the Department of Fish and Wildlife on bottomfish; have developed workplans for their current projects. The Commission meeting was adjourned at 4:25pm. The next meeting will be on May 23 at Tulalip. Meeting topics should be suggested to Commission staff by May 8.