Oregon Legislature Approves HB 3809 – Taking the Junk Science out of Salmon Recovery

Yesterday, the Oregon Legislature approved HB 3809, common-sense salmon recovery legislation aimed at ending the state’s wild fish bias. The bill has cleared both houses of the legislature and now moves on to Governor Kitzhaber.

Russ Walker, director of Oregon Citizens for a Sound Economy, issued the following statement:

“HB 3809 is common-sense legislation that will ensure that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stops ‘clubbing’ returning salmon to death, denying them the right to spawn and complete their lifecycles naturally.

“Despite surging populations of returning salmon, dozens of salmon subgroups are on the endangered species list, water is being denied to farmers in the Klamath Basin, and Oregon citizens are being asked to give up more than ever.

“There is absolutely no distinguishable difference, genetic or otherwise, between hatchery and ’wild’ salmon. Many of these ‘inferior’ hatchery fish have traveled thousands of miles, traversed numerous dams, survived countless natural predators, and have avoided commercial fishing nets – all to be clubbed to death as they compete their lives. It just doesn’t seem fair.

“Oregon CSE members from Portland to Klamath Falls proved crucial to this bill’s passage every step of the way. I believe we have a good bill and I hope the Governor will add his support to this common-sense legislation.”