EOTSC20151012 ODFW - halibut & bottomfish meetings

ODFW looks for public input on 2016 sport halibut and future bottomfish seasons

NEWPORT, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking sport anglers for their input into the 2016 Pacific halibut and 2017-18 bottomfish seasons.

Anglers wishing to participate in the season-setting process may do so in one of two ways: Attend one of three public meetings scheduled in October, or complete an online survey for the 2016 halibut season.

The three public meetings will all start at 6 p.m. and will be held:

·        Monday, Oct. 12 in Brookings at the Best Western Beachfront Inn

·        Tuesday, Oct. 13 in North Bend at the North Bend Public Library

·        Thursday, Oct. 15 in Newport at the ODFW Marine Resources Program conference room, 2040 SE Marine Science Dr. (webcast available, see details below)

Those who can’t attend a meeting can still participate in the halibut season-setting process through an online survey (https://oregondas.allegiancetech.com/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=76QTQG).  Anglers who wish to provide input on the 2017-18 bottomfish seasons but cannot attend a meeting are invited to contact ODFW by phone or email.  Background materials for the meetings will be posted on the sport bottomfish and sport halibut webpages in the next several days. 

“Angler input is an important part of the season-setting process, and we hope interested anglers will participate in any way they can,” Mattes said.

WEBCAST DETAILS

The Newport meeting will be webcast for those who cannot attend a meeting in person, but would still like to hear the discussions.

Join the meeting at:  https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/379244837

•             Use your microphone and speakers.

•             Or, call in using your telephone.

o   Dial +1 (224) 501-3217

o   Access Code: 379-244-837

o   Audio PIN: Shown in the GoTo Meeting dialogue box on your computer screen after joining the meeting

•             Meeting ID: 379-244-837