Key takeaways:
- The Pacific Fishery Management Council has voted to close king salmon fishing season along much of the West Coast for the 2023 season.
- The decision was made due to near-record low numbers of the fish returning to California’s rivers in 2022.
- The Pacific Fishery Management Council is now working with state and federal agencies to develop a plan to help the Chinook salmon population recover.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council has voted to close king salmon fishing season along much of the West Coast for the 2023 season. This closure affects both commercial and most recreational chinook fishing from Cape Falcon in northern Oregon to the California-Mexico border.
The decision was made due to near-record low numbers of the fish, also known as Chinook, returning to California’s rivers in 2022. According to Council Chair Marc Gorelnik, “The forecasts for Chinook returning to California rivers this year are near record lows.”
The closure of the salmon fishing season is a major blow to the fishing industry, which relies heavily on the Chinook salmon for its livelihood. The Chinook salmon is a keystone species in the Pacific Northwest, and its population is a major indicator of the health of the region’s ecosystems.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is now working with state and federal agencies to develop a plan to help the Chinook salmon population recover. This plan will include measures to reduce fishing pressure, improve habitat, and increase hatchery production.
The closure of the salmon fishing season is a difficult decision, but it is necessary to ensure the long-term health of the Chinook salmon population. The Pacific Fishery Management Council is committed to doing all it can to help the Chinook salmon population recover.
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