Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Program
The Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Program relies on the belief that law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of natural resource conservation. The program contributes to the Quinault Public Safety Division efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote wildlife conservation on the Quinault Indian Nation lands and waters.
The Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Program focuses on potentially devastating threats to fisheries resources, including illegal trade, unlawful commercial exploitation, habitat destruction, and environmental contaminants. The program investigates fisheries crimes, helps people understand and obey wildlife protections laws, and works to conserve fisheries resources.
Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Jurisdiction
The primary purpose of the Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Program is the management of Quinault fish and game laws and regulations. The Quinault Wildlife Enforcement Program has jurisdiction over all hunting and fishing activities on the Quinault Indian Nation. Additionally Quinault Fisheries Enforcement patrols throughout the Tribe’s Usual and Accustomed opened areas opened for fishing which include Grays Harbor County, Jefferson County, Grays Harbor and the Pacific Ocean and any other areas that may be opened by regulation. They administer plans that contribute significantly toward meeting the growing demand for outdoor recreation and ensure the protection of thousands of acres of habitat necessary for the conservation of fish, wildlife and plant resources.
The programs enforcement activities support the Quinault Business Committee’s commitment for the protection and enhancement of its fish, shellfish, wildlife and plant resources throughout the Tribe’s Usual and Accustomed area. Tribal laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations that are in place governing separate fishery or hunting and gathering activities are strictly enforced. The program also works with state, federal and other tribal enforcement organizations when needed, which is absolutely essential for the protection of fish and wildlife resources.
Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Duties
The Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Program is charged primarily with enforcing fish and wildlife laws, but the program’s enforcement officers can also work other natural resource enforcement duties, coordinate search and rescue operations, collect fish and wildlife data, assist the public when they encounter problems with wildlife, and make a variety of presentations at area schools.
Current regular patrol areas outside of the Quinault Indian Nation include, the Pacific Ocean, Grays Harbor/Area 2C, Westport, the Chehalis River, Humptulips River, Moclips River, and the razor clam beaches from Ocean Shores to north of Kalaloch along with any other areas where tribal violations are found.
When Quinault residents encounter problems with wildlife, the officers are generally the first to respond. They set culvert traps for problem bears, use a variety of techniques to resolve conflicts with mountain lions and other species, and talk to landowners about living cooperatively with wildlife. They also handle injured raptors and assist the biologists with wildlife transplants.
Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Officers serve as the primary response team for search and rescue operations on the Nation’s lands and they also visit schools to talk to students about hunter safety, general outdoor survival skills, and how to get along with wildlife.
Quinault Public Safety Chief of Police, Mark James» 360.276.8215 x8111
Resource Enforcement Sargent, Patricia Raya » 360.276.8215 x8101
Additional Quinault Fisheries Enforcement Resources:
Quinault Resource Enforcement Department
WA Department of Fish & Wildlife
WA Department of Natural Resources
National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Native American Fish & Wildlife Society
