| Outdoors | Early forecast for Columbia coho is cloudy
The Columbia River coho forecast was recently released, and anglers shouldn't expect off-the-charts fishing in the ocean this summer. The total forecast, known as the Oregon Production Index (OPI), calls for 276,100 coho to arrive off the coast, compared with an actual return of 536,600 last year. The Columbia River forecast alone is a mere 196,700. Doug Milward, a state Fish and Wildlife salmon resource manager, says the coho news doesn't look good, and ocean coho returns could be comparable to the 1995 to 1998 stretch when time on the water was slim. While the predicted Columbia coho run looks to be in the tank, many believe that there will be enough to sustain some kind of ocean fishery. "There are differences between now and the 1990s, when we were in an El Niño weather pattern, compared to now where there's a La Niña pattern," said Mark Cedergreen, president of the Westport Charterboat Association.
Court delay keeps Port Phillip Bay dredging in limbo
A COURTROOM saga over the future of Port Phillip Bay's controversial $1 billion dredging project will drag on for at least another 10 days after the case was adjourned today. The matter will return to court on March 3 after environment group Blue Wedges requested time to change the legal arguments of its case. The group is challenging the legality of federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett's approval of a huge dredging project to deepen Melbourne's shipping channels. Dredging began two weeks ago under strict conditions imposed by the court, pending the hearing. But the Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) will seek to have those conditions relaxed in a separate hearing this afternoon, on the grounds that Blue Wedges has caused the delay by seeking to amend their original application to the court.
More than 80 exhibitors participating in Neosho review
NEOSHO, Mo. — It was a day to showcase new products and services as well as just talk with people. More than 80 exhibits crowded into the Neosho High School gym and lobby area on Friday for the first day of the city's annual Business and Industry Review. More than 80 exhibitors participating in Neosho review By Derek Spellman .
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