Regarding the person accused at Sekiu (Aug. 31, PDN, “Man accused of fishing illegally near Sekiu”), it’s easy to overlook how many of us are wronged by this kind of offense.
Some would say that the person is stealing from “the state” or the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, but the list of victims is a long one.
Such an offense means stealing from the salmon run, whose prospects grow ever-more tenuous under our stewardship; the rest of the foodchain whose survival depends on the next link; and the taxpayers, neighbors, other license-holders, tribal partners and the public, whose pride in our Pacific Northwest natural resources is why we live here.
While the confiscation of a boat is suggested to be proportionate to the egregiousness of the crime, it would be a little surprising if the man, if convicted, ever had the right to fish or hunt again.
Art James,
Port Ludlow