A draft of an ecological plan that applies to West Coast fisheries has emphasized the need for management of so-called forage fish to improve salmon runs.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council will consider adopting the draft fishery ecosystem plan on April 9 in Portland.

The Columbian reports ( http://is.gd/DLZ4AP) the goal is better fish runs on the Columbia River and other Northwest waterways.

Forage fish are the small schooling species like sardines, saury and smelt that provide a crucial protein source for larger fish and other animals in the Pacific.

Some of those forage species are largely unmanaged, leaving them vulnerable to unregulated fishing.

The plan doesn't have direct regulatory authority, but the council is composed in part of federal and state wildlife officials from Oregon, California, Washington and Idaho.

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Information from: The Columbian, http://www.columbian.com