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Thursday, August 12, 2004
Troubled canal
Hood Canal needs big help.
The problems in Washington's treasured fjord won't go away any time soon. The state Fish and Wildlife Commission acknowledged that reality last week.
The commission ordered permanent closures for a host of Hood Canal fisheries, including bottom fish, smelt and squid. They all suffer from the low levels of oxygen caused by pollution and algae blooms.
The permanent closure is more honest than a series of temporary orders for a problem that shows no signs of being resolved. Like the commissioners, many people along the canal have also begun to acknowledge the challenges, caused in part by septic tank and farm manure problems.
Making changes will require concerted efforts by residents and local, state and federal authorities. But any help for Hood Canal will pay dividends elsewhere.
Periodic fish kills have focused attention on Hood Canal. But similar problems could emerge in other parts of Puget Sound, which face a variety of challenges despite fewer obvious signs of trouble.
To a significant degree, politicians avoid a larger truth. All of Puget Sound needs more help.
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