![Court Extends Western Washington Steelhead Harvest](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2022/09/attachment-Gavel-2021-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Court Extends Western Washington Steelhead Harvest
On Friday, the Washington Superior Court sided with Cooke Aquaculture Pacific, LLC, and extended the deadline to safely harvest steelhead trout and remove equipment at the Rich Passage and Hope Island fish farm in Puget Sounds to April 14th. Last week’s decision came after Cooke filed suit against the Washington state Department of Natural Resources at Commissioner Hilary Franz.
Cooke company officials says they operate their farm sites according to carefully coordinated farm management plans, with “employee safety being its top priority”. Cooke noted that significant changes in harvest schedules can both increase safety risks for employees and disruptions for customers. They added the timelines set forth by DNR were arbitrary and impossible to meet without exposing Cooke employees to dangerous winter working conditions, increasing perceived environmental risks, and causing significant financial harm.
The company said in a Friday statement that they sought this preliminary injunction to protect its employees and ensure safe working conditions.
“We are grateful that the Court granted our request as this extension gives our employees the flexibility required in a marine environment to ensure safe working conditions. Cooke can now remove the fish on its original harvest schedule and properly remove our equipment without subjecting employees to unnecessary risk."
If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com
More From 610 KONA
![Congressional Members Discuss Snake River Dams in Richland](http://townsquare.media/site/1130/files/2023/06/attachment-Field-Hearing.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![DNR Conducting Flying Rehearsal for 2023 Fire Season](http://townsquare.media/site/1134/files/2023/05/attachment-NaneumTanker.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Rep. Dan Newhouse Discusses Plan to Protect Snake River Dams](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2022/06/attachment-Dan-Newhouse-Hearing-062322.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tri-Cities WDFW wants Your Opinion on Salmon and Steelhead Seasons](http://townsquare.media/site/1130/files/2023/03/attachment-Untitled-design68.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The 2023 Salmon Forecast for Washington State](http://townsquare.media/site/1130/files/2023/03/attachment-Untitled-design37.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![DNR is Looking to Expand Wildfire Ready Neighbors Program into Western Washington](http://townsquare.media/site/1134/files/2020/05/em_hilary_franz_270x270.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![December’s Snow A Bit Of A Disappointment, Pattee Says](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2020/04/Snow-pack-Survey-2_opt.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Sea Lion Removal has made Great Strides in Saving Salmon](http://townsquare.media/site/1130/files/2022/12/attachment-Untitled-design9.jpg?w=980&q=75)