OLYMPIA - Fishery managers in Washington and Oregon are seeking nominations for candidates to advisory committees that focus on sport and commercial fishing issues on the Columbia River. Nominations are due Monday, December 15, 2008.

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will begin accepting grant applications December 1 from individuals and groups seeking financial support for volunteer projects that benefit fish and wildlife.

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - WFN: World Fishing Network is kicking off an Anglers' Legacy contest this week to help increase participation in boating and fishing, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced today. Visitors to www.wfn.tv/pledge are encouraged to "Take the Pledge" and make a promise to introduce at least one newcomer to fishing. The contest encourages both new and current Anglers' Legacy Ambassadors to share their stories about introducing newcomers to the sport for a chance to win a personalized TV spot on WFN and WFN HD.

Lake Conroe, Texas - The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) has announced a monumental partnership with the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) to be the championship event of the inaugural PAA Tournament Series. The PAA Tournament Series is a three-event competition that brings the best anglers from all professional levels together for the first time in history. The TTBC will now be held October 16 - 18 on Lake Conroe, as the culmination of this historic event.

Using Stren Stamina line on a Penn 16VS reel, Ray Rosher and Team Hostile won the first tournament of the Sailfish Cup out of Miami Beach Marina. Rosher and Team Hostile claimed the event by a mere 12 minutes that came with a prize package of $228,800 and the lead in the Sailfish Pro Series.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) would like to remind anglers and small game hunters that the license structure for fishing and small game hunting has changed.

Beginning April 1, 2009, all annual licenses including fishing, senior fishing, small game, furbearer, combination fishing and hunting, Colorado waterfowl stamps, habitat stamps and walk-in access permits are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.

January 15 - 17 Lake Toho, Kissimmee, FL
April 9 - 11 Neely Henry, Gadsden, AL
October 8 - 10 Toledo Bend, Hemphill, TX
October 16 - 18 TOYOTA TEXAS BASS CLASSIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Lake Conroe - Montgomery, TX

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department announces that all water use restrictions associated with the Missisquoi River sea lamprey control treatment have been lifted. Monitoring indicates that the lampricide, TFM, has dissipated and that normal uses to the water may be resumed. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department thanks local residents and other people who have visited the area during the treatment for their cooperation in this program.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a public workshop in Tampa Thursday to gather input on Florida's freshwater turtle harvest.

The FWC will collect information from turtle experts, including scientists and fishermen, and from concerned residents regarding a long-term plan for their harvest. The meeting will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Tampa Port Authority Board Room, 1101 Channelside Dr.

OLYMPIA - An additional public workshop has been scheduled December 9 to discuss how annual seasons are set for recreational salmon fisheries, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens arrested four lobster poachers over the weekend on two all-night operations. The SCUBA-clad poachers were stealing lobsters from commercial fishermen's traps.

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA -- Would you like to help make your home waters a little cleaner? The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is offering grant funds up to $4,000 each for community non-profit groups to develop projects that address environmental problems on local waterways. Since 1997 the annual BoatU.S. Foundation Clean Water Grant program has awarded over $300,000 to improve the marine environment, funding 149 projects in 35 states. This year's deadline to apply is February 2, 2009.

BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA - It is seen from a research vessel lookout - a solitary V-shaped "blow" and then something dark on the water's surface. Often, the return of right whales to Georgia is as subtle as that. But this winter, thanks to a new ruling more of these imperiled whales will have a better chance at making the annual journey safely.

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - The Darrell Gwynn Foundation and Outdoor Channel, America's Leader in Outdoor TV, have teamed up to deliver a one-hour special for TV. The program will feature the Foundation's Hot Rods & Reels annual celebrity fishing tournaments, sponsored by Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, which bring together NASCAR drivers and their fans to fish for charity and the chance to win $1 million.

"Today's decision by the California Fish and Game Commission to protect longfin smelt affords me an authority that I will approach judiciously. While this process, triggered by the regulation, could lead to some water restrictions to protect fish, dramatic cuts from this action will not occur. The Commission's action will allow the state and federal water projects to be able to continue operating, providing water to millions of California citizens. The Department of Fish and Game has worked diligently to craft a 90-day regulation that provides for protection of longfin smelt while recognizing the importance of various agencies' responsibilities to protect both humans and fish."