New Guidelines To Reduce Sodium Sulfite In Tackle

SALEM, Ore.—The Fish and Wildlife Commission approved voluntary guidelines for egg cure manufacturers to reduce or eliminate the use of sodium sulfites in bait cures used for salmon eggs.

Beginning Oct. 1, all new production of cured eggs and eggs cured with commercially available cures should not have more than 12 grams of sodium sulfite per kilogram of cured eggs, a risk level considered acceptable by fishery managers.

A peer-reviewed study by ODFW and Oregon State University found that some commercially available egg cures killed juvenile chinook and steelhead when the fish consumed the eggs. The problem was linked to sodium sulfite, an ingredient that is used to inhibit mold growth. When ODFW tested cured eggs, it found levels of 15 to 50 grams of sodium sulfite per kg of eggs.

Last year, the Commission indicated support for a phased, non-regulatory approach to address the problem. Through a collaborative effort with the cured egg and egg cure industry, ODFW staff developed a solution that causes minimal impacts on juvenile salmonids. The Department will lead an education and outreach effort to encourage anglers that make their own homemade cures to consider using borax instead of sodium sulfite.

The Commission rescinded its approval of the Rocky Mountain Goat Columbia River Gorge Reintroduction Plan. The plan involved reintroducing goats onto national forestland and was challenged in federal court. Part of the settlement involved the Commission rescinding the plan.

New administrative rules for refunding and exchanging license fees were approved. They will provide greater flexibility for exchanging licenses and cut the administrative costs of refunds. Under the new rules, amounts of $5 or more will be automatically refunded. Lesser amounts will be refunded upon a customer’s request. The Commission approved $65,000 in Restoration and Enhancement program funds to purchase rotenone to treat South Twin Lake and remove illegally introduced bullhead catfish. It also heard the annual progress report from the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) program.

Finally, the Commission was briefed on Territorial Sea Plan marine spatial planning efforts. An effort to map marine resources is underway to ensure that important fishing grounds and ecological resources are protected, should future licensing of renewable energy projects occur.

The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel generally meets monthly. The next meeting is Oct. 7 in Pendleton.