Hood Canal tribes receive funding from U.S. Navy for enhancement projects

The Kitsap Sun has reported that the U.S. Navy will pay $9 million to Hood Canal tribes as part of a mitigation agreement for natural resources impacted by the construction of the Navy’s explosives handling wharf at Naval Base Kitsap- Bangor.

The Skokomish, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam and Lower Elwha Klallam tribes will use the money for various fisheries and shellfish enhancement projects, including upgrading net pens and hatcheries, creating shellfish nurseries and purchasing land for conservation.

From the story:

 “This is very encouraging,” said Joseph Pavel, natural resources director for the Skokomish Tribe. “I have been hammering on them for years about the unmitigated impacts at the Bangor facility. That was before people were conscious about treaty rights and the need to address impacts on the tribes.”

Pavel said it is important for people to recognize that the Navy’s mitigation will benefit all citizens, tribal and nontribal, by increasing the quality and quantity of fish and shellfish shared among all groups.