Fishing industries have suggested working closely with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Linda Buell, owner of a charter fishing business and co-chairwoman of the Fishermen’s Advisory Council of Tillamook, said that if Navy is in the area and they are going to deploy ships, they can contact ODFW and fishermen’s groups and ask about the seasons.
Buell referred to proposed accelerated warfare training exercises outlined in the U.S. Navy Northwest Training Range Complex Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement. It is said that the Navy scheduled the hearing following pressure from Oregon’s congressional delegation and extended the public comment period on the 1,000-page proposal to Wednesday, March 11.
It is notified that nearly 40 people including Tillamook County commissioners and aides to U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Congressman Kurt Schrader, D-Ore; and state Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, have attended the hearing. While the U.S. Navy has conducted training operations off the West Coast since World War II, a proposed plan would intensify exercises with guided missile submarines and unmanned aerial systems.
Edna Kenney, of Netarts, has welcomed the decision saying they travel all over the world. We never know where they’ve been until they’re back. They need the training, and it’s nice to give it to them in a safe environment. Albacore tuna are really sensitive to noise, said Rick Goche, who fishes out of Charleston and is an Oregon Albacore Commission member.
Director of the Oregon Marine Mammal Institute Bruce Mate of Newport also urged the Navy to resist expanding its training off the coast. He added that he is much concerned about the sound levels on marine mammals.
