Assistance by local agency law enforcement personnel was a key component in assessing public opinion and conveying fisheries management goals throughout these changes. Thus far, this program has been a demonstration of agency responsiveness to public expectations while maintaining science-based management objectives. The LE Program doubled mainstem Columbia River fisheries enforcement efforts. The program includes public awareness, habitat protection, resident fish protection, and Tribal enforcement in tributary watersheds. I present results from two evaluations of the LE Program completed in 1997 documenting its success in terms of implementation, enforcement statistics, biological performance measures, and cost-effectiveness.
Trout waters in remote areas are particularly susceptible to illegal harvest.
It has become evident that illegal harvest of trout is a significant problem preventing the effectiveness of fisheries management programs. Also, illegal introduction of baitfish creates fiscal concerns for the state's fisheries unit when forced to reclaim trout waters. Law enforcement officials in the general performance of their duties are limited in remote wilderness areas in the amount of work directed toward this effort due to limited manpower, equipment, time, and the need to address other duties. Recognizing this, New York State has developed a special interior enforcement unit within the Division of Law Enforcement. Officers are trained, equipped, and responsive to the special needs associated with enforcing fisheries laws in the Adirondack region.