Newport REALOregon

I have been struggling with sensory overload. I want to get all the stories from this latest REALOregon session formed into stories, but so much happened in Newport while our class was there that I am worried that I won’t do justice to the town or the fantastic classroom time or the informative tours of the area. I will attempt to do a story about each segment of the experience and add links that can be checked out for further information, and would encourage readers to visit Newport, as well as Klamath Falls, and Roseburg, either in person or with virtual tours via the web. These towns have seen triumphs and struggles, have learned valuable lessons, and continue to work with each other in cooperation and dedication to the natural resources of their areas.

In Newport, we were greeted to the area by the Lincoln County Commissioner Kaety Jacobson, who has been part of this community with ties to fishing all her life as has her family. She is no stranger to the pressures of living off the natural resources of Newport and the surrounding seas.

Kaety was able to describe a small town that ports and launches boats that harvest different seafood bounties. Each type of seafood is considered a different ‘fishery’ and each need extensive equipment in order to harvest those specific varieties. Each boat has to be set up with the proper equipment for the type of seafood they are fishing for before the ship can be launched out to sea in an effort find and harvest their catch. Crabbers go out to catch crab. Tuna boats are only designed to retrieve tuna. Shrimpers are wanting shrimp. When trawling (dragging nets to capture), using lines (for individual fish catch), or using pots (for crab and shrimp), the equipment has to be designed specifically for the one type of seafood to be harvested. By-catch or those species that are not permitted or being fished for, are not only discouraged but is expensive to deal with for the crew. The ‘holds’ of the boat, the live tanks or on-board processing and freezers, will only be filled with the designated harvest.

Seasons for harvest are limited to the supply of the fisheries as well as  times of the year and weather conditions. Monitoring each species of the fisheries is key to maintaining the precious resources. Fishermen, regulatory agencies and public demands are in agreement that future harvesting can only continue if the species are available to catch. But even though boundaries are clearly designed, not everyone agrees with each rule or sanction as is true with any natural resource.

Limits are imposed for each vessel via the permitting process. Permits may be traded or sold between ships once they have been issued. Permits don’t guarantee a harvest.  Even if a permit has been purchased, all the equipment has been bought and loaded on the ship, a crew been hired and the time ready for the season to open, regulations could change the season and cause delays in opening or closing of available time allowed for harvest. Testing is continuous to assure the seafood is healthy and ready to harvest (as in the crab being filled out, the shells firm enough and no bio-toxins such as naturally occurring demoic acid). The sea itself could also hamper harvesting with storms not allowing vessels to leave or return to port.

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