Implementation of Tribal and Inter-Tribal harvest and habitat law enforcement within the  Zone 6 of the mainstem Columbia River and Usual and Accustomed fishing areas to reduce the illegal take of salmon, steelhead and resident fish and aid in the rebuilding of native fish populations.

FY07 Objectives:

1)  Tribal Enforcement
2)  Conservation Enforcement Regional Coordination
3)  Conservation Enforcement Outreach and Education

The goals and objectives of the  Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement (CRITFE) law enforcement program are to implement an expanded enforcement program to provide additional protection against illegal takes of Columbia River salmon species throughout their life cycle with an emphasis on weak stocks passing through the hydro-power corridor into tributary streams.  CRITFE protection includes reduce illegal take of Columbia Basin fish & wildlife.  The conceptual scope of the CRITFE program is the entire life cycle of the target fish species, i.e., “gravel to gravel.”   The geographical scope of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement is primarily the Mainstem Columbia River between Bonneville Dam and McNary dam.

The approach is threefold:  (1) maintain the levels of harvest & habitat enforcement on the Mainstem Columbia; (2) enhance the efficiency of this effort by promoting cooperation among all relevant entities; and (3) educate the public on the plight of depleted fish & wildlife stocks and the need to protect their critical habitat.

We will adaptively manage the CRITFE program via monitoring and evaluation—according to biologically-based performance criteria.  The evaluation of desired/actual achievements are in terms of:  Inputs (e.g., budget, personnel, equipment ), Outputs (e.g., fishery statistics, contacts, arrests, seizure, etc.), and Outcomes (e.g., fish & wildlife saved, critical habitats protected).  Results will be monitored in accordance with performance standards and specific quantitative and qualitative criteria in conjunction with tribal and regional fish and wildlife management processes and objectives.