Grapeview port ends fisheries task force

Port of Grapeview commissioners voted to sunset the Case Inlet Fisheries Task Force at the regular meeting Tuesday, joining the Port of Allyn, that agreed to disband the group Sept. 9.

The task force formed by joint resolution in 2021 as an advisory group for the two ports to study ways to increase salmon in Case Inlet.

“The core objectives established by the resolution have been successfully achieved. The task force was established with a clear mandate and through the hard work and collaboration of its members these goals have been met,” Commissioner Mike Blaisdell said.

While its formal role as an advisory board has ended, the task force’s work will continue, Commissioner Jean Farmer said.

“We need to make sure the public understands this is continuing on,” she said.

“It will continue on and it will grow. It will involve our school district and it’s a wonderful project,” Farmer said.

The task force is planning to install a salmon net pen at Fair Harbor Marina.

North Mason School District plans to use the pen to teach students aquaculture as part of a pathway for working in natural resource management.

The task force asked both ports for project funding at a joint meeting Aug. 22.

At the meeting, Blaisdell suggested the task force form a private or nonprofit group to request funds.

Sunsetting the task force will allow members to create a separate organization.

“It will continue, and I’m really excited about the ongoing efforts of the task force as they move into their new roles as an independent organization,” Blaisdell said.

“I’m excited to one day walk down to those fish pens and see all those fish down there. And a bunch of students and teachers down there learning about aquaculture and fish and our Case Inlet,” Farmer said.