WDFW says it has voluntarily stood down most staffers who work in, on or near water following an inspection by the state Department of Labor and Industries yesterday.

The move comes nine days after WDFW seasonal science tech Mary Valentine is presumed to have drowned while working alone at a fish trap on Hood Canal’s Duckabush River January 24.

Some agency employees do remain on the job this weekend.

“WDFW leadership is working with Enforcement, hatchery staff, and other work units to ensure staff are issued and wear certified personal flotation devices to resume work safely and maintain critical operations over the weekend of February 3-4,” Sam Montgomery, WDFW communications manager, said in a statement early this afternoon.