Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Implements Key Changes for Sea Urchin Regulation
SALEM, Ore. — In a virtual meeting held today, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved new regulations affecting the harvesting of sea urchins in the state’s marine zones. Under the revised Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, the daily catch limit for purple sea urchins has been set at 35 per person. However, a proposal to introduce 24 new commercial take permits for purple sea urchins was not approved, allowing the current permit system to remain unchanged.
The Commission also authorized the issuance of Letters of Authorization for controlled culling of both red and purple sea urchins at three designated priority sites, a move aimed at promoting the conservation of Oregon’s marine resources. “I’m very pleased with the action taken by the Fish and Wildlife Commission today,” said Steve Rumrill, Shellfish Program Leader at the ODFW. “These actions support the conservation of bull kelp, which is vital to marine ecosystems.”
In other matters, the Commission opted to postpone discussions on the Private Forest Accord to ensure more inclusive stakeholder engagement. A session focused on governance best practices will take place during the March meeting due to time limitations.
During the morning updates, the Commission received information on ODFW’s Hatchery Resiliency Project, including third-party assessments of state-owned hatcheries. Public concerns were voiced regarding the current regulations for crab seasons and the need for a review of barbless hook regulations in the Columbia River.
Additionally, a workshop on the environmental impacts of 6PPD-q, a tire manufacturing chemical, highlighted its risks to aquatic ecosystems and engaged community stakeholders in urban conservation discussions. Chair Mary Wahl emphasized the importance of these conversations in reaching broader communities across Oregon.
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