That animosity, and this latest act, prompted Scott Schuyler, natural resources policy coordinator for the Upper Skagit Tribe, to contact the Skagit County Sheriff's Office. Skagit County Sheriff Ed Goodman said his office will be meeting with Schuyler to discuss the situation but hasn't set up a date yet. This is going to make us be on the lookout for activity like this on the river. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife, which co-manages fish runs with Indian tribes, has long relied on tribal fishermen to provide an update on how many fish are actually returning to spawn in Washington's rivers and streams. Only a few gill-net boats are needed to do the count and provide ongoing historic data that dates back decades.
Sport fishermen return cards indicating how many fish they caught after the season is over.
Tribal fishermen, who tend to sell their catch, have their fish counted daily on fish tickets which tribal fish management officials collect every day. Each group is suspicious the other isn't admitting how many fish are actually caught. Regardless, Upper Skagit resource coordinator Schuyler said the recent cutting of tribal boats and the ongoing war of words is wearing thin. The tribe will begin reporting fishing confrontations to the federal government if local law enforcement doesn't help resolve the problem, Schuyler added. Reporter Marina Parr can be reached at 416-2141.