ORS 506.755 Fisheries Conservation Zone; rules; jurisdiction over zone; penalty; construction

The State of Oregon adopts a Fisheries Conservation Zone for the maintenance, preservation and protection of all coastal species of fish and other marine fisheries resources between the mean high water mark of the state and a straight line extension of the lateral boundaries of the state drawn seaward to a distance of 50 statute miles.

Activities of marine commercial fishing within the limits and boundaries of the Fisheries Conservation Zone shall be under the jurisdiction and regulation of the commission.

The commission shall study the fishery within the zone and when appropriate adopt, amend or repeal all rules, according to the provisions of ORS 506.119 and 506.129 necessary for the maintenance, preservation and protection of all coastal species of fish and other marine fisheries resources.

The jurisdiction within the Fisheries Conservation Zone shall include, but not be limited to, provisions for inspection of catch, particularly regarding anadromous fish; rules relating to methods of fishing, size and kind of gear and nets; rules designating seasons, closures and restricted areas.

ORS 506.501 to 506.695 shall provide the authority for enforcing rules adopted by the commission as specified in this section.

Subject to ORS 153.022, any person convicted of violating any rule authorized under the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Nothing contained within this section is intended to abrogate a nation’s right of free passage or navigation of the high seas.

Nothing contained within this section is intended to abrogate international fish compacts, agreements or treaties providing for the management of anadromous or pelagic fish species.