Each treaty Indian tribe in western Washington typically maintains an individual fisheries management staff that includes a fisheries manager who oversees staff working in the areas of harvest management, enhancement, habitat protection and enforcement. In some cases, several tribes have joined together to form collective fishery management organizations. The fisheries manager receives direction from the tribal fish committee and tribal council, which balances harvest needs with the needs of the resource itself. Tribal harvest management staff develop fishery plans and run size forecasts, assess spawning escapement needs and monitor stock status, among other duties. The tribal hatchery manager, with the aid of support staff, implements the tribe s enhancement program, overseeing hatchery programming and production.
Many tribes also operate shellfish programs.
The tribes manage, enhance and regulate harvest of the resource, meeting stringent health and handling standards to ensure consumer protection. Tribal habitat staff are involved in issues ranging from forest practices to urban growth. They also conduct in-stream habitat improvement and restoration projects. Each tribe or tribal cooperative also maintains an enforcement program to ensure that regulations are observed by tribal members. Tribal enforcement officers work cooperatively with state and federal fish and wildlife enforcement personnel to protect natural resources.