STATE OF
WASHINGTON
ARTHUR B. LANGLIE
GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT DF
FISHERI ES
ROBERT J. SCHOETTLER
DIRECTOR
130B SMITH TOWER
SEATTLE 4, WASHINGTON
ELLIOT 34B3
January 19, 1954
Mr. J. S. Kurtz
336 First National Bank Building
Bellingham, Washington
Dear Mr. Kurtz:
Since our last correspondence on the application of John Curry for reef net location C-8 at Lummi Island, we have discussed this and general reef net licens¬ ing problems with other commercial fishermen, with Vern Hawley, operator of Hawley's resort at the island, and with our assistant attorney general and members of the staff. It was our desire to avoid arbitrary action and to reach a decision which would conform to the best interests of the entire fishery, sports and commercial. This latter has been the entire purpose of the Department's licensing policy.
The reef netting operations on Puget Sound reached the height of expansion in 1949 and the rapid spread of gear obviously was leading to court litigation because of interference with other established gear with a long tradition of free use of the waters in certain areas.
Since that time the Department has attempted to exercise a reasonable control of the reef net fishery, and to cut back as many as possible of the conflicting locations. We believe that with one or two exceptions the fishery is now in as good balance relative to other gear as can be accomplished without undue hardship.
We have been unable to find justifiable reason for reversing our earlier conclusions relative to Mr. Curry's application and adopting the course which such a reversal would mandate, namely, abandonment of all control over the placement of reef net gear in either new or unused positions.
Should you wish, we would be glad to arrange a meeting between yourself and the Director of Fisheries to further discuss the matter.
Very truly yours,
¦
Donald P. Gooding Administrative Assistant
KEEP OUR WATERS CLEAN POLLUTION KILLS FISH
