November 21, 2008
- Yakima, Washington 29
Game Wardens Fishing Illegally?
By Audrey Asistio
TOPPENISH, Wash. - Instead of keeping a lookout for illegal fishing activity at the Columbia River, three Yakama Nation game wardens were allegedly doing it themselves - fishing on the river and then later selling the fish to make a profit. Yakama Nation is still gathering the facts.
Yakama Nation Council Chairman Ralph Sampson Jr. tells Action News, “The only comment I'd like to make is that everything is under investigation at this point, that there's still more information to go on." Several tribal members say they are not surprised about this. They believe illegal activity within the Yakama Nation happens all the time and nothing is ever done about it. "They could do whatever they want in there. Then they put them back in. They never kick them out for good. They rehire them. It's just an ongoing thing," says Yakama tribe member Esther Lamere. Action News reporter Audrey Asistio explains, "the department of fish and wildlife didn't want to comment on this situation but they say illegal fishing is on the rise. The reason? It's where the money is." Washington State Fish and Wildlife Deputy Chief, Mike Cenci says, "The black market for illegal fish can bring almost $200 a pound in an unprocessed farm." Cenci adds they have made a lot of arrests this year for illegal fishing, but they are not involved with this case. The Fish and Wildlife enforcement program offered the Yakama Nation additional assistance on the investigation, but the tribe said they didn't need it. Yakama Nation says they will finish the investigation by next week. Washington State Fish and Wildlife enforcement says they successfully work with the Yakama Nation on ending illegal activity on the Columbia River and they will continue to do so in the future. |
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