Washington anglers protest coronavirus fishing closure

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) — Protesters in boats and on shore Saturday demanded that restrictions on recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting in Washington because of the coronavirus be lifted.

About 50 boats along with several hundred protesters on shore gathered on Saturday around Columbia Point Marina in Richland in southwestern Washington.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife on March 25 temporarily closed recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

But the protesters say the restrictions should be lifted because anglers can practice social distancing while fishing. They said kayakers, jet skis, wake boarders, pleasure boaters and others are on the water.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/washington-anglers-protest-coronavirus-fishing-closure/ar-BB12QGMx

[Andy823]

1. The problem with opening the season

is that many people will take off and travel all over the state to their favorite fishing areas. There will be more drain on small towns if they should get sick and need to be in the hospital, more chance of people already infected, but not showing signs, to spread the virus even further, not to mention strain on local grocery stores.

[RainCaster]

2. I can understand why folks are pissed about this

I can understand why combat fishing is not allowed. But if I want to take my wife out in the boat and drown a few worms, what's the harm?

[Sewa]

3. WA is the only state that closed fishing

It was an over reaction to people flooding coastal communities. They should have just closed fishing and shellfish harvesting in certain areas. The wildlife department is this state screwed up.