Washington Wildlife Dept. Agrees to Survey Steelhead in Accord

Washington state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife must conduct snorkel surveys of steelhead on the Skykomish and Tolt Rivers, according to a settlement agreement with a conservation group.

Wild Fish Conservancy claimed that the department’s new summer fish hatchery program, which was developed to support recreational fishing, will harm protected fish. It was developed before the National Marine Fisheries Service could review the hatchery’s management plan and authorize the harm or killing of protected species, the group said.

• Judge Robert S. Lasnik of the US District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in favor of the state in ...