From: Barb_Maynes@nps.gov [mailto:Barb_Maynes@nps.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 12:21 PM
Subject: Olympic NP News Release: Emergency Closure of All Fishing in Upper Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River within Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park News Release
August 2, 2005

For Immediate Release
Barb Maynes 360-565-3005

Emergency Closure of All Fishing in Upper Hoh River and South Fork Hoh River within Olympic National Park

In response to significantly lower than expected returns of Chinook salmon in the Hoh River, Olympic National Park Superintendent Bill Laitner has closed the upper Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, and all its tributaries within the park to all recreational fishing from August 3 to August 31, one month earlier than originally scheduled.

The mouth of the Hoh River within Olympic National Park will also be closed to fishing for Chinook salmon during this period, but will remain open for the harvest of hatchery summer steelhead and trout.

The emergency closure is designed to protect a unique population of spring/summer Chinook salmon, which spawns almost exclusively within Olympic National Park waters. Estimates show that this year's number of spawning Chinook will be much lower than originally projected and lower than the established minimum goal for spawning fish.

"The National Park Service seeks to provide diverse recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the preservation and restoration of native fish," said Superintendent Bill Laitner. "However, with the run size at low numbers it is critical to provide additional protection for these Chinook while they are staging to spawn in park waters". While the Hoh and its tributaries are closed, anglers are encouraged to explore other areas in the park for fishing.

For more information about fishing in Olympic National Park, including a complete copy of current fishing regulations, people may visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/olym and click on "Fishing Regs" or call 360-565-3081.

- NPS-