Rob Allen
Life of the Party
Salmo g -
I agree that "most of the perple follow most of the rules most of the time". However, with little fear of being cited for not following those rules their is little reason for them to continue to do so, especially if others are getting away with not playing the rule.
If WDFW were truly serious about achieving higher levels of compliance of the fishing rules and reducing the illegal impacts on ESA listed fish in my opinion is to raise their visibility that is to raise their flag by have regular patrols, checking the exit points, etc. An additionally developing relationships with those users want to see more compliance so that poaching is regularly reported. Finally, WDFW has failed in communicating with the public and resource users in a timely matter, highlighting the reasoning behind the regulation's changes, how basic management works and the basic biology of the fish being managed.
The enforcement patrol during the morning of the Edmonds coho derby underlines my point. According to their report on WDFW's enforcement facebook posting in the first 45 boats checked they issued 31 citations, confiscated 20 illegal salmon, and issued other warnings. This high level on non-compliance just is not acceptable.
I don't think we have to look no further than our highways. When patrols are not on the road regularly the speeds, HOV violations, etc. all increase. Put a patrol car along the side of the road and writing ticker or two a few tickets compliance increases.
Curt
Penalties for breaking laws have to be severe enough that people wouldn't dare break them.
Get caught snagging? You lose all your fishing and hunting gear permanently and you never get a license again I'm the state. Also states that wish to do so could also deny license privileges. +30 days in jail or 300 hours of community service to be done at the communities convenience not your.
That makes you lose your job? Tough cookies.
We have a whole American culture that says "laws don't matter" just look how we ALL drive.. none of us should have licenses.