We're on a mission to restore Case Inlet’s overall marine health and to rejuvenate our salmon populations. We will focus on education and research to guide our actions. We will partner with local schools, WDFW, the Squaxin Island Tribe, the Nisqually Tribe, the Ports of Allyn and Grapeview along with other community businesses and organizations.
Our Partners
WHAT WE'VE LEARNED SO FAR
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It is critical that we develop a strong partnerships with the Squaxin Island Tribe and the WDFW in order to succeed.
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While we started our journey focused on resuming the release of salmon from the Coulter Creek Hatchery, we have broadened our focus to include overall marine health, education and research for Case Inlet.
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Based on successful programs that we have seen throughout Puget Sound, we understand the importance of getting students and the community involved by actively participating in research and education.
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One example is the program in place at Pt. Defiance where marine education programs are supported by temporary net pens which rear and release 140,000 Chinook salmon each spring. The program is supported by the Puyallup Tribe, the WDFW and other organizations, and community members.
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A similar program in Case Inlet will help us understand opportunities, guide decisions as we move forward, and increase salmon populations in our area.
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We are rich in the North Bay area with opportunities to support hands on involvement for school programs. These include WDFW hatcheries, programs managed by the Salmon Enhancement Center along with current and planned aquaculture operations at the Fair Harbor Marina.
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We should continue to work with the fisheries co-managers (WDFW and the Squaxin Island Tribe) to understand future options for Coulter Creek, while we are also pursuing other options such as temporary fish rearing and release pens in Case Inlet specifically at the Fair Harbor Marina.
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We understand that local community members are very interested in the Task Force work.
THE OPPORTUNITY
THE GREAT SALMON HIGHWAY
Today salmon returning to the south Puget Sound create livelihood for all communities along its course from the Straight of Juan de Fuca to Olympia.
Build knowledge and create a future for our kids in North Mason County.
Fish reared and released in Case Inlet will provide opportunities for Tribes and communities along the entire Great Salmon Highway.
The endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales will also benefit as these returning salmon travel the waters of the Puget Sound to the furthest reaches of Case Inlet.
COMPLETING THE GREAT SALMON HIGHWAY
Rearing and releasing salmon from the Northern Case Inlet restores a vital part of the Great Salmon Highway (see green route on map) and utilizes the productive waters of Case Inlet to support migrating salmon on their journey to and from the sea.
ABOUT US
ORIGINS
Since 2021
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The Case Inlet Fisheries Task Force was formalized by a joint resolution from the Port of Grapeview and the Port of Allyn.
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Commissioner Art Whitson represents the Port of Grapeview on the Task Force
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Commissioner Ted Jackson represents the Port of Allyn
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Brad Pomroy is the Task Force Facilitator
MEMBERS
Feel Free to contact our Task Froce Members to learn more.
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Art Whitson - Port of Grapeview Commissioner, District 1
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Travis Merrill - Executive Director, Port of Allyn
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Brad Pomroy - Group Facilitator
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Bob Pastore – Communications and Grants Advisor
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Mark LaRiviere - Biologist Advisor
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Jim Hanson – Advisor
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Thom Worlund – Education Advisor
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Phil Wolff - Advisor
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Bill Gaines - Advisor
OBJECTIVES
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Support the North Mason High Scholl as they prepare for their new Natural Resources program which include courses on Marine biology and fisheries management.
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Continue to work with the Squaxin Island Tribe, WDFW and the Salmon Enhancement center to create learning opportunities to support the education program.
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Work with the Fair Harbor Marina and the co-managers to get a temporary rearing release pen installed and stocked at the marina in the Winter/Spring of 2025.
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Provide support to the Squaxin Island Tribe to help them achieve their objectives including the completion of the Tumwater facility.
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Gain support from the WDFW to create an investment strategy to maintain and potentially expand the Coulter Creek facility
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Engage community members to participate in our work and to build a volunteer base to support the net pen and Coulter Creek hatchery.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
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Provide a career and education path to students at North Mason High School to pursue opportunities in fisheries management.
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Improve the marine environmental health and restore healthy populations of Salmon in Case Inlet.
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Provide a critical food source for the Southern Resident Killer Whales throughout their entire range.
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Increase fishing opportunities for Tribal and sports fisherman.
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Build community and bring people together through projects and programs.
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Create jobs and have a positive economic impacts for the communities surrounding Case Inlet.
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Upon completion of the Tumwater Facility, the Coulter Creek Hatchery becomes an on-going resource to improve salmon populations from in Case Inlet.
