Ongoing fish kill on the Klamath River is an ‘absolute worst-case scenario’

The video shows clear river water washing over rocks as sunlight dances in the shallows. Small slivers of white that look like leaves float on the surface. But they aren’t leaves; they’re the bodies of juvenile salmon, most of them no longer than a finger, dead from a warm-water disease exacerbated by drought on the Klamath River. The caption to the video, filmed by Yurok Vice Chairman Frankie Joe Myers, is stark: “This is what climate change looks like when we don’t act.” 

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Boat Inspection Stations - OPEN for the SEASON!!

Boaters required to stop at aquatic invasive species inspection stations.
Free inspection takes five to 10 minutes

May 25, 2021

SALEM, Ore. – All watercraft entering Oregon are required to be inspected at an aquatic invasive species station when the stations are open. Failure to stop at an open station could result in a $110 fine.

Inspection stations located in Ashland and Ontario are open year-round and seasonal stations in Brookings, Klamath Falls, Lakeview and Umatilla are now operational.

All vehicles towing or carrying motorized or non-motorized boats, including canoes, kayaks, and even paddleboards must stop. This includes commercial watercraft.

Inspections for aquatic invasive species typically take five to 10 minutes and drivers are not required to get out of their vehicles. Please turn off vehicles during inspection to make it easier for the inspector and driver to hear each other and maintain physical distance. Watercraft found with aquatic invasive species attached to the vessel are decontaminated on the spot. Both boat inspections and decontaminations are free.

"People who stop at these stations are directly contributing to our success in keeping aquatic invasive zebra and quagga mussels, snails and aquatic plants out of Oregon," said Rick Boatner, ODFW Invasive Species Supervisor.

Inspecting boats coming into the state is the first line of defense in keeping aquatic invasive species such as zebra or quagga mussels, snails and aquatic plants out of Oregon. These invaders can cost millions in damage to water delivery systems and serious environmental damage to our rivers, lakes and native aquatic species.

"Everyone who boats needs to make sure they always practice Clean, Drain, and Dry. All boaters and anglers should be vigilant about cleaning and drying all their gear after each use," Boatner said.

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permits or Waterway Access Permit are required for most boaters in Oregon. Both resident and non-resident, non-motorized boats (paddlecraft) ten feet and longer require a Waterway Access Permit. All non-resident motorized boats require an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention permit. Resident motorized boat permits are included in the Oregon boater registration fee. Permit sales provide funding for the six boat inspection stations throughout Oregon.

So far this year, crews have inspected 3,796 boats and intercepted 41 vessels...