For Immediate Release

Date: August 11, 2004

Radio Broadcast Targets Astoria Salmon Anglers

Anglers headed to the mouth of the Columbia River can now tune in to the latest fishing, boating and safety information on their car or boat radio. Station KPD 485 is back on the air on channel 1610 AM.

"The Buoy 10 salmon fishery brings in thousands of boaters, but they need to be aware of what they're facing on the Columbia River," says Randy Henry, of the Oregon State Marine Board. "It's big water with strong tides and variable weather. The radio broadcast is designed for people who might not be familiar with the area."

The low-power transmitter was originally funded by OSU Sea Grant and the Oregon State Marine Board in 1992. The transmitter ceased operation when salmon fishing restrictions closed the Buoy 10 fishery in the mid-1990s. "We've been working with the Coast Guard, Clatsop County Sheriffs and others to improve boating safety at Buoy 10 and decided this tool should be reactivated," said Henry. "After some repairs, upgrades and reinstallation, it's back on the air."

The unit broadcasts several different safety messages, information on fishing the Columbia River mouth safely, a weekly fishing report, commercial shipping schedules, NOAA weather forecasts and a message about aquatic nuisance species. The transmitter has a range of four or five miles from the Hammond Boat Basin, reaching from Buoy 10 to the Astoria Megler bridge.

"The Port of Warrenton was very helpful in getting the system back up and running," said Henry. "The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Columbia River Bar Pilots are also helping to keep the broadcast content up to date. I hope people find the service useful."

###