The Bush administration has barred the longtime spokesperson of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Seattle from talking to the media about salmon.

Brian Gorman has spoken favorably about tribal issues in the Pacific Northwest. He recently suggested a court decision favoring salmon could turn out to be a positive development. He has defended the Makah Nation's treaty and whaling rights amid lawsuits and public controversy.

But all questions about salmon must now be directed to regional officials and political appointees in Washington, D.C., who at first denied a change in policy regarding Gorman. They denied taking action for Gorman's comments about the recent salmon lawsuit.

Get the Story:
Longtime salmon spokesman silenced (The Seattle Times 6/1)

Relevant Links:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Northwest Region - http://www.nwr.noaa.gov

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