The Quinault Nation of Washington has closed Lake Quinault to non-tribal fishermen until further notice.

The tribe is concerned about water quality in the lake. Pollution from septic waste has been detected, President Fawn Sharp said.

“The Quinault Business Committee has made the decision in a unanimous action, effective immediately," Sharp said in a press release. “We cannot stand by and allow our sensitive aquatic ecosystems to continue to be diminished. This action has been taken to protect the lake and is an emergency measure to protect the health and safety of all our communities.”

Sharp also said the tribe was worried about an increase in illegal fishing by non-Indians.

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Tribe closes Lake Quinault to non-tribal fishing (AP 4/16)