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The Association of Northwest Steelheaders
Anglers Dedicated to Enhancing and Protecting Fisheries and their Habitats for Today and the Future

Issues That Have Faced the Association
and its Environment


Yes on Measure 49
What's This About?
Measure 37 was well intended - but it's flawed.

Measure 49 can fix it.
What's Being Done?
Voters in Oregon overwhelmingly passed Measure 49 on November 6. thank you for voting.
Go to the Yes on Measure 49 website


Spill - Not Kill
What's This About?
This is about spilling more water over Columbia River basin dams to keep the water cooler so that migrating smolts have a better chance of surviving the arduous journey to the ocean and back again.
What's Being Done?
In order to ensure the best river conditions for steelhead and salmon survival, fishing and conservation groups have asked a federal court to order the federal government to increase both spill and flow on the Columbia and Snake rivers during the spring and summer fish migrations of 2006. With the federal government currently crafting a new salmon plan we need to guarantee the region more natural river conditions in order to protect our Northwest way of life.
Go to the Spill - Not Kill page


Working to Select a Strong and Impartial ODFW Director
What's This About?
On June 8, 2006 the ODFW Commission held public and executive interviews of the three candidates. Commissioners went into executive session the following day and were expected to emerge and announce a new director. Instead, the announcement was prolonged and rescheduled. On June 15th an article in the Medford Mail Tribune quotes Commissioner Denman as stating ODFW Commissioners are being lobbied by commercial interests and ODFW employees.
What's Being Done?
Members of the Steelheaders were present for the public interviews. At that time many of the Commissioners asked us for our opinions and we gladly gave them. We support Virgil Moore who has relevant experience and a strong track record both on the Columbia, with diverse fishing interests and is fair-minded. The process of selection, intended to be transparent has now been meddled with and sportspersons, both anglers and hunters, are asked to let the commissioners know how you feel.

On July 6th, 2006 the commission selected Mr. Virgil Moore to lead ODFW


The Yaquina Bay Wet Shipbreaking Issue
What's This About?
Through the governor's office, Bay Bridge Enterprises, LLC., a ship breaking salvage company from Virginia, with a very short history, was lured to consider the Port of Newport to develop a 15 acre scrap yard for the dismantling of highly contaminated military and non-military vessels on Yaquina Bay waterfront. All just upstream from the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center.

Ghost ships would come from the Suisun Bay, CA. Vegetation on the ships hulls harbor invasive species such as the mitten crab. Ships contain contaminants of oil and waste fuels, PCB's, asbestos, and mercury. These chemicals and invasive species would make their way into the estuary and bay along with lead based paint chips.
What's Being Done?
The Association sent the Port a letter expressing its displeasure and attended meetings. The citizens of Newport organized. On December 6, 2005 the Port Commission held an open forum and on January 25th they chose wisely not to bring the enterprise to Newport.


Ship Breaking or Ship Recycling - They're Both the Same
Will Oregon be a Superfund Site or Environmental Treasure?
What's This About?

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski's Economic and Community Development Department courted and invited ship recycling on Oregon shores. It's goal - to dismantle highly contaminated and infested military and non-military vessels brought here from California.

Then the Gov did a back flip and said "No." But there's no law prohibiting it and without one the state would be forced to issue permits and face litigation.

What's Being Done?

Yaquina Bay said No, the Gov said No, and now the challenge moves to Coos Bay. The invasive species known to reside on hulls of these ships pose a significant threat to our native flora and fauna. Introduction of the many known cancer causing pollutants and heavy metals to the watershed is irresponsible, illegal and poses a threat to future generations and the fisheries.

Coastal communities know too well the impacts of pollution, global warming, and now inland irrigators. There is no reason to consider turning one inch of our shoreline into another Superfund site. Our coastline is scenic and our playground - not a toxic waste dump.

The Associations position is clear. 100% containment in dry docks close to where these ships are is the only logical solution. The environmental hazards and invasive species dictate there is no place for wet ship breaking in Oregon. Strict federal and state on-site monitoring with environmental watchdog oversight will insure this environmentally destructive administration cuts no corners or breaks its own laws.

Recently, a coalition of Oregon Senators and Representatives began work on Senate Bill 432. It's now in Joint Committee and we'll continue to follow it's progress

Follow this as it develops on the "Wet Ship breaking in Oregon" page



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This page was last updated: Friday, January 18, 2008
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