Salmon fishermen and other recreational boaters who anchor in the shipping channel of the Columbia River starting August 1 may face boating citations up to $5,000. A state-and-federally led campaign called, “Operation Make Way” is aimed at changing behavior that, if not corrected, can result in boating fatalities and catastrophic environmental disasters. “Each fall thousands of anglers come after salmon migrating up the Columbia River,” said Randy Henry, Boating Safety Program Manager with the Oregon State Marine Board. “Some anglers choose to anchor in the channel, which is already illegal under state law, then expect large commercial freighters to navigate around them. This is like parking your car on a railroad track and expecting the train to go around you.” Large ships can travel 1.5 miles in six minutes, but because they are so large, their speed appears much slower. Waiting until the ship is visible as it comes around a bend leaves no time to weigh anchor. When fully loaded, these ships may have only inches to spare from the bottom of the river and must stay in the dredged channel. “Ship pilots are literally faced with the choice of running the vessel aground, or hoping the small boat – which is now hidden by the bow of the big ship – moves at the last minute,” said Henry. During “Operation Make Way,” vessels anchored in the channel and not weighing anchor when approached will face a citation. He noted that if you are cited under state law, it’s a $260 fine, but if the U.S. Coast Guard cites you, it can be as much as $5,000. The Oregon State Marine Board, U.S. Coast Guard and multiple county sheriff’s marine patrols will team up for the enforcement effort on key days in August and September. Participating agencies will also enforce all federal and state boating laws, including boating under the influence, life jackets and other equipment requirements, and fishing regulations. The primary goal, though, is to change boater behavior to not anchor in the channel. “If you see this from the ship pilot perspective, you understand how hazardous it is for a small boat to anchor in the channel,” said Henry. “Whether you’re trolling at Buoy 10 or fishing up near St. Helens, the bottom line is – don’t anchor in the channel. It’s not worth the risk and it’s not worth the citation.” Boaters should be carrying the required equipment for their boat size and all passengers must have a properly fitting life jacket readily accessible. Any child under the age of 13 must be wearing a life jacket while on the open decks of a vessel that is underway. If you observe boat operation or would like to report a boater who is not in compliance with the above requirements, contact the Coast Guard command center at 503-861-6211 or on Marine VHF radio channel 16. Participating agencies in “Operation Make Way” include Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Clatsop, Multnomah, Columbia, Tillamook, Washington, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Offices and Clark, WA and Cowlitz, WA County Sheriff’s Offices. For more information about required equipment, boating safety, and Operation Make Way, visit www.boatoregon.com.
