Saturday, Jun. 14, 2008

Briefs: Sport halibut fishing to close off Westport

Compiled by the Herald staff

OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says anglers will be able to fish for halibut off Westport for only two more days before the offshore portion of Marine Area 2 closes to halibut fishing for the season.

The days are Sunday and Tuesday.

Heather Reed, coastal policy coordinator, says since the fishery opened May 1, anglers have come within 4,470 pounds of the 2008 quota of 40,230 pounds for the offshore area. Reed says halibut caught during the past week weighed about 21 pounds, compared to 18 pounds in May.

Until further notice, the nearshore waters of Marine Area 2 between Grays Harbor and the Queets River will remain open to halibut fishing on Fridays and Saturdays.

Windsurfers, kiteboarders needed for illness study

PORTLAND -- Oregon health officials are looking for 400 windsurfers and kiteboarders to help them investigate reported illnesses affecting extreme sport lovers in the Columbia River Gorge.

In recent years, the state has received a number of reports of respiratory ailments and skin symptoms that have appeared after surfing.

The Oregon Public Health Division wants to enroll windsurfers and kiteboarders ages 18 and older to complete confidential online surveys to help them better understand possible illnesses.

Participants must windsurf or kiteboard at least once a month.

To enroll in the study go to http://www.healthoregon.org/surferhealth web page.

Mid-Columbia events planned

The June McNary Education Center presents "Air Water Land, Significant?" from 9 a.m.-noon today at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Education Center in Burbank. Call 543-8322.

-- Registration is being taken at Grigg's Shopping Center in Pasco for the hunting education class scheduled for July 7.

Space is limited. Call 547-0566.