California’s recreational salmon season opened in ocean waters on Saturday, April 2, 2016, from Horse Mountain (40° 05’ 00” N. latitude) south to the U.S./Mexico border.
Anglers are limited to two Chinook per day, with minimum sizes varying by region.
The recreational salmon season north of Horse Mountain remains closed and the season will be determined in April.
For anglers fishing north of Point Conception (34° 27’ 00” N. latitude), no more than two single-point, single-shank barbless hooks shall be used, and no more than one rod shall be used per angler when fishing for salmon or fishing from a boat with salmon on board. In addition, barbless circle hooks are required when fishing with bait by any means other than trolling.
Additional ocean salmon fishing regulations for the 2016 fishing season will be decided by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) during its April 9-14 meeting in Vancouver, Washington, and by the Fish and Game Commission at its April 18 teleconference.
Final sport regulations will be published in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 2016-2017 Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, which will be posted online in May at www.wildlife.ca.gov/regulations.
Three alternatives are currently being considered for California’s 2016 commercial and recreational ocean salmon regulations, including season dates, size limits, bag limits and quotas.
The public is encouraged to comment on any of the proposed alternatives that can be found on the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org.
CDFW regulations prohibit the retention of coho salmon in all California ocean fisheries.
For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov or call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429.
source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Showing posts with label chinook salmon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chinook salmon. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Puget Sound Chinook Salmon 2016
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty tribes,
recently released forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, and chum
salmon in Puget Sound, the Columbia River, and Washington coastal areas.
Although biologists expect fair returns of hatchery Chinook salmon this year, low coho returns could restrict salmon fisheries in the region.
The recent forecast meeting was the starting point for developing 2016 salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River, and Washington coastal areas. Fishery managers have scheduled a series of public meetings through early April before finalizing seasons later that month.
This year’s Puget Sound Chinook run is anticipated to be down from last year with about 165,000 fish returning. Hatchery fish make up the bulk of the run.
Roughly 55,000 sockeye are expected to return to the Baker River (a tributary of the Skagit River), which could trigger sockeye fisheries in Baker Lake and the Skagit River.
In the Columbia River, about 951,000 fall Chinook are expected to return, which is higher than the 10-year average but down from last year’s record run of 1.3 million fall Chinook.
The forecast calls for approximately 589,000 Chinook known as “upriver brights” returning to areas above Bonneville Dam.
About 223,000 hatchery fish, known as “tule Chinook” are expected to return this year to the lower Columbia River. The bulk of the recreational ocean chinook fishery consists of tules.
For more information, visit the WDFW website at wdfw.wa.gov.
source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Although biologists expect fair returns of hatchery Chinook salmon this year, low coho returns could restrict salmon fisheries in the region.
The recent forecast meeting was the starting point for developing 2016 salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River, and Washington coastal areas. Fishery managers have scheduled a series of public meetings through early April before finalizing seasons later that month.
This year’s Puget Sound Chinook run is anticipated to be down from last year with about 165,000 fish returning. Hatchery fish make up the bulk of the run.
Roughly 55,000 sockeye are expected to return to the Baker River (a tributary of the Skagit River), which could trigger sockeye fisheries in Baker Lake and the Skagit River.
In the Columbia River, about 951,000 fall Chinook are expected to return, which is higher than the 10-year average but down from last year’s record run of 1.3 million fall Chinook.
The forecast calls for approximately 589,000 Chinook known as “upriver brights” returning to areas above Bonneville Dam.
About 223,000 hatchery fish, known as “tule Chinook” are expected to return this year to the lower Columbia River. The bulk of the recreational ocean chinook fishery consists of tules.
For more information, visit the WDFW website at wdfw.wa.gov.
source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Monday, April 21, 2014
2014 West Coast USA Ocean Salmon Seasons
The Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted a set of ocean salmon seasons that provides both recreational and commercial opportunities coastwide.
Washington and Oregon fishermen, in particular, will be benefit from higher-than-usual salmon returns in the Columbia River this year.
Salmon fisheries in California and Oregon provide access to an expected good return of Sacramento River fall Chinook while meeting protective measures for Klamath River fall Chinook, Sacramento River winter Chinook, and California Coastal Chinook.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2014.
“Everyone is excited about the strong, near-record, abundance of Columbia River stocks and improved numbers of coho salmon,” said Council Chair Dorothy Lowman. “it is rewarding to see hard work translate into a balance of achieving conservation goals while providing good seasons for both recreational and commercial ocean salmon fisheries this summer.”
The coastal states will decide on compatible freshwater fishery regulations at their respective Commission hearings.
For more information, visit: http://www.pcouncil.org
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Washington and Oregon fishermen, in particular, will be benefit from higher-than-usual salmon returns in the Columbia River this year.
Salmon fisheries in California and Oregon provide access to an expected good return of Sacramento River fall Chinook while meeting protective measures for Klamath River fall Chinook, Sacramento River winter Chinook, and California Coastal Chinook.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2014.
“Everyone is excited about the strong, near-record, abundance of Columbia River stocks and improved numbers of coho salmon,” said Council Chair Dorothy Lowman. “it is rewarding to see hard work translate into a balance of achieving conservation goals while providing good seasons for both recreational and commercial ocean salmon fisheries this summer.”
The coastal states will decide on compatible freshwater fishery regulations at their respective Commission hearings.
For more information, visit: http://www.pcouncil.org
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Monday, March 17, 2014
2014 Pacific Salmon Recreational Seasons
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) recently adopted three public review options for the 2014 salmon season off the West Coast of the United States. The Council will select a final option at their next meeting in Vancouver, Washington on April 5-9.
Sport Season Options:
Northern Oregon and Washington (north of Cape Falcon)
Ocean sport fishery options north of Cape Falcon in Oregon and off the Washington coast have mark-selective coho quotas ranging from 159,600 to 193,200 that start in late June and run into September (last year, the quota was 74,760 coho).
For Chinook salmon, quotas range from 47,500 Chinook to 60,000 Chinook (last year, the quota was 48,000 Chinook). Chinook quotas are limited due to in order to protect lower Columbia River tule fall Chinook, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
California and southern Oregon (south of Cape Falcon)
California ocean sport fishing options generally provide continuous fishing opportunity from April to October or November.
Oregon ocean recreational options include mark-selective coho fishing seasons starting in June or July and running into September. Quotas range from 50,000 to 80,000 coho.
In addition, non-mark selective fisheries are proposed in September with a quota of 20,000 coho. Options for Oregon ocean Chinook fishing in the Brookings area run May through September. For the Tillamook, Newport, and Coos Bay areas, season options range from March to October.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 24 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 25 in Eureka, California. The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 5-10 in Vancouver, Washington.
At its April meeting in Vancouver, the Council will narrow these options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open,and catch limits for all three options are available on the Council’s website at
www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Sport Season Options:
Northern Oregon and Washington (north of Cape Falcon)
Ocean sport fishery options north of Cape Falcon in Oregon and off the Washington coast have mark-selective coho quotas ranging from 159,600 to 193,200 that start in late June and run into September (last year, the quota was 74,760 coho).
For Chinook salmon, quotas range from 47,500 Chinook to 60,000 Chinook (last year, the quota was 48,000 Chinook). Chinook quotas are limited due to in order to protect lower Columbia River tule fall Chinook, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.
California and southern Oregon (south of Cape Falcon)
California ocean sport fishing options generally provide continuous fishing opportunity from April to October or November.
Oregon ocean recreational options include mark-selective coho fishing seasons starting in June or July and running into September. Quotas range from 50,000 to 80,000 coho.
In addition, non-mark selective fisheries are proposed in September with a quota of 20,000 coho. Options for Oregon ocean Chinook fishing in the Brookings area run May through September. For the Tillamook, Newport, and Coos Bay areas, season options range from March to October.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 24 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 25 in Eureka, California. The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 5-10 in Vancouver, Washington.
At its April meeting in Vancouver, the Council will narrow these options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open,and catch limits for all three options are available on the Council’s website at
www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
2011 Pacific Northwest Salmon Runs
The Pacific Fishery Management Council recently adopted a set of ocean salmon seasons that provides both recreational and commercial opportunities coastwide. According to the agency, California, Oregon, and Washington salmon fisheries will open in several locations. The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2011.
Greatly improved abundance of Sacramento River fall Chinook will enable the first major ocean salmon fisheries off California and Oregon since 2007. In 2008 and 2009, poor Sacramento returns led to the largest ocean salmon fishery closure on record.
The abundance forecast of Sacramento River fall Chinook in 2011 is 730,000, far above the number needed for optimum spawning this fall. Klamath River fall Chinook runs for 2011 are predicted to be near normal.
In addition to increased runs of Chinook salmon, coho are expected to be plentiful. The 2011 forecast for Oregon Coast natural coho is about 250,000 fish, well above the 15 year average.
Greatly improved abundance of Sacramento River fall Chinook will enable the first major ocean salmon fisheries off California and Oregon since 2007. In 2008 and 2009, poor Sacramento returns led to the largest ocean salmon fishery closure on record.
The abundance forecast of Sacramento River fall Chinook in 2011 is 730,000, far above the number needed for optimum spawning this fall. Klamath River fall Chinook runs for 2011 are predicted to be near normal.
In addition to increased runs of Chinook salmon, coho are expected to be plentiful. The 2011 forecast for Oregon Coast natural coho is about 250,000 fish, well above the 15 year average.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
2011 California Ocean Salmon Fishing Season
For the first time in many years the forecast suggests that in 2011, California anglers may enjoy good salmon fishing.
Both the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approved the April 2 opening date based on scientific information suggesting that the Sacramento River Fall Chinook ocean population size is more than 700,000 fish.
According to FGC, ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:
The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain
will be open from May 14 through Sept. 5.
The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open
through Oct. 30.
The waters from Point Arena to Pigeon Point will remain open through
Oct. 30.
The waters from Pigeon Point to the United States/Mexico border will
remain open through Sept. 18.
The retention of coho salmon and steelhead remains prohibited California's ocean fisheries. Sacramento River fall chinook generally comprise 80 to 90 percent of the salmon catch in ocean waters off California.
In 2008 and 2009, virtually no fishing was allowed because of low abundance forecasts and poor returns
of fish to the Sacramento River Basin. In 2009, the return of adult Sacramento River Fall Chinook salmon was an all-time low of approximately 39,500 fish. Fishing in 2010 was also constrained for the same reasons.
For complete regulations as well as additional information on the 2011 fishing season, visit: www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp
Anglers can also call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429
In addition to recreational fishing regulations, the PFMC has also defined commercial seasons. Information on west coast salmon commercial seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at: www.pcouncil.org
Both the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approved the April 2 opening date based on scientific information suggesting that the Sacramento River Fall Chinook ocean population size is more than 700,000 fish.
According to FGC, ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:
The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain
will be open from May 14 through Sept. 5.
The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open
through Oct. 30.
The waters from Point Arena to Pigeon Point will remain open through
Oct. 30.
The waters from Pigeon Point to the United States/Mexico border will
remain open through Sept. 18.
The retention of coho salmon and steelhead remains prohibited California's ocean fisheries. Sacramento River fall chinook generally comprise 80 to 90 percent of the salmon catch in ocean waters off California.
In 2008 and 2009, virtually no fishing was allowed because of low abundance forecasts and poor returns
of fish to the Sacramento River Basin. In 2009, the return of adult Sacramento River Fall Chinook salmon was an all-time low of approximately 39,500 fish. Fishing in 2010 was also constrained for the same reasons.
For complete regulations as well as additional information on the 2011 fishing season, visit: www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp
Anglers can also call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429
In addition to recreational fishing regulations, the PFMC has also defined commercial seasons. Information on west coast salmon commercial seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at: www.pcouncil.org
Monday, March 7, 2011
Anglers Expect Strong Salmon Runs in Washington
Fishing prospects look bright this year for chinook in Washington’s ocean waters and the Columbia River, according to preseason salmon forecasts.
Opportunities for anglers also look good in Puget Sound, where coho and pink salmon runs are expected to be strong this year.
Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, pink and chum salmon mark the starting point for developing 2011 salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River and Washington coastal areas. The forecasts were developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian tribes.
Fishery managers have scheduled a series of public meetings over the next few weeks to discuss potential fishing opportunities before finalizing seasons in mid-April.
A meeting schedule, salmon forecasts and information about the salmon season-setting process are available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/northfalcon/.
As in past years, salmon-fishing prospects in 2011 vary by area:
Columbia River:
About 760,000 fall chinook are expected to return to the Columbia River this season. That’s about 112,000 more chinook than last year’s return and would constitute the fifth largest run since 1948, said Cindy LeFleur, Columbia River policy coordinator for WDFW.
More than half of the chinook forecast - about 398,000 salmon - is expected to be "upriver brights" headed to the Hanford Reach area and the Snake River. That would be the second largest run of upriver brights since 1964, when fishery managers began keeping records, said LeFleur.
While the chinook run is expected to be up, the forecast of 362,500 Columbia River coho is similar to last year’s projection.
Washington’s ocean waters:
Anglers can expect an ocean fishery for chinook and coho salmon this summer similar to that in 2010, said Doug Milward, ocean salmon fishery manager for WDFW.
According to Milward: "The number of salmon available for this summer’s ocean fishery is expected to be similar to last year, so anglers should see another good year of fishing."
Nearly 250,000 hatchery chinook are expected to return this year to the lower Columbia River. Those salmon, known as "tules," traditionally have been the backbone of the recreational ocean chinook fishery. The 362,500 coho salmon bound for the Columbia River also account for a significant portion of the ocean catch.
Puget Sound:
Coho and pink salmon returns to Puget Sound are expected to be strong this year. About 980,000 coho are forecast to return to Puget Sound streams, about 367,000 more fish than last year’s forecast. In addition, nearly 6 million pink salmon are expected to return to Puget Sound this year. That forecast is 3 million salmon below 2009’s record return but still an abundant run, said Steve Thiesfeld, Puget Sound salmon manager for WDFW. Most pink salmon return to Washington’s waters only in odd-numbered years.
"This is shaping up to be a really good year in Puget Sound for both coho and pink salmon," said Thiesfeld, who noted that an additional 17 million pink salmon are forecast to return to Canada’s Fraser River this year. "A portion of those Fraser River fish will make their way through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands boosting opportunities for Washington anglers."
Summer/fall chinook salmon returns to Puget Sound are expected to total about 243,000 fish, slightly higher than last year’s projection of 226,000. Most chinook fisheries in Puget Sound likely will be similar to last year, said Thiesfeld. However, fishing opportunities in the Green (Duwamish) River and Elliott Bay could be limited by a low forecast of wild chinook, he said.
Thiesfeld said a Lake Washington sockeye fishery is unlikely this year. The sockeye forecast is about 34,600, well below the minimum return of 350,000 sockeye needed to consider opening a recreational fishery in the lake.
State, tribal and federal fishery managers will meet March 5-10 in Vancouver, Wash., with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) to develop options for this year’s commercial and recreational ocean chinook and coho salmon fisheries. The PFMC establishes fishing seasons in ocean waters three to 200 miles off the Pacific coast.
Additional public meetings have been scheduled in March to discuss regional fishery issues. Input from these regional discussions will be considered as the season-setting process moves into the "North of Falcon" and PFMC meetings, which will determine the final 2011 salmon seasons.
The PFMC is expected to adopt final ocean fishing seasons and harvest levels at its April 9-14 meeting in San Mateo, Calif. The 2011 salmon fisheries package for Washington’s inside waters will be completed by the state and tribal co-managers during the PFMC’s April meeting.
source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Opportunities for anglers also look good in Puget Sound, where coho and pink salmon runs are expected to be strong this year.
Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, pink and chum salmon mark the starting point for developing 2011 salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River and Washington coastal areas. The forecasts were developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian tribes.
Fishery managers have scheduled a series of public meetings over the next few weeks to discuss potential fishing opportunities before finalizing seasons in mid-April.
A meeting schedule, salmon forecasts and information about the salmon season-setting process are available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/northfalcon/.
As in past years, salmon-fishing prospects in 2011 vary by area:
Columbia River:
About 760,000 fall chinook are expected to return to the Columbia River this season. That’s about 112,000 more chinook than last year’s return and would constitute the fifth largest run since 1948, said Cindy LeFleur, Columbia River policy coordinator for WDFW.
More than half of the chinook forecast - about 398,000 salmon - is expected to be "upriver brights" headed to the Hanford Reach area and the Snake River. That would be the second largest run of upriver brights since 1964, when fishery managers began keeping records, said LeFleur.
While the chinook run is expected to be up, the forecast of 362,500 Columbia River coho is similar to last year’s projection.
Washington’s ocean waters:
Anglers can expect an ocean fishery for chinook and coho salmon this summer similar to that in 2010, said Doug Milward, ocean salmon fishery manager for WDFW.
According to Milward: "The number of salmon available for this summer’s ocean fishery is expected to be similar to last year, so anglers should see another good year of fishing."
Nearly 250,000 hatchery chinook are expected to return this year to the lower Columbia River. Those salmon, known as "tules," traditionally have been the backbone of the recreational ocean chinook fishery. The 362,500 coho salmon bound for the Columbia River also account for a significant portion of the ocean catch.
Puget Sound:
Coho and pink salmon returns to Puget Sound are expected to be strong this year. About 980,000 coho are forecast to return to Puget Sound streams, about 367,000 more fish than last year’s forecast. In addition, nearly 6 million pink salmon are expected to return to Puget Sound this year. That forecast is 3 million salmon below 2009’s record return but still an abundant run, said Steve Thiesfeld, Puget Sound salmon manager for WDFW. Most pink salmon return to Washington’s waters only in odd-numbered years.
"This is shaping up to be a really good year in Puget Sound for both coho and pink salmon," said Thiesfeld, who noted that an additional 17 million pink salmon are forecast to return to Canada’s Fraser River this year. "A portion of those Fraser River fish will make their way through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands boosting opportunities for Washington anglers."
Summer/fall chinook salmon returns to Puget Sound are expected to total about 243,000 fish, slightly higher than last year’s projection of 226,000. Most chinook fisheries in Puget Sound likely will be similar to last year, said Thiesfeld. However, fishing opportunities in the Green (Duwamish) River and Elliott Bay could be limited by a low forecast of wild chinook, he said.
Thiesfeld said a Lake Washington sockeye fishery is unlikely this year. The sockeye forecast is about 34,600, well below the minimum return of 350,000 sockeye needed to consider opening a recreational fishery in the lake.
State, tribal and federal fishery managers will meet March 5-10 in Vancouver, Wash., with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) to develop options for this year’s commercial and recreational ocean chinook and coho salmon fisheries. The PFMC establishes fishing seasons in ocean waters three to 200 miles off the Pacific coast.
Additional public meetings have been scheduled in March to discuss regional fishery issues. Input from these regional discussions will be considered as the season-setting process moves into the "North of Falcon" and PFMC meetings, which will determine the final 2011 salmon seasons.
The PFMC is expected to adopt final ocean fishing seasons and harvest levels at its April 9-14 meeting in San Mateo, Calif. The 2011 salmon fisheries package for Washington’s inside waters will be completed by the state and tribal co-managers during the PFMC’s April meeting.
source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Golden Gate Salmon Association Protects California Chinook Salmon
The Golden Gate Salmon Association (GGSA) is the name for a newly-established organization aimed exclusively at the protection and restoration of California’s Central Valley chinook salmon. A number of fishing organizations have allied to form this “umbrella” salmon group to raise funds, coordinate efforts and bring new resources to the table to save Central Valley salmon and the fisheries they support. Those organizations include Pro-Troll - a major fishing gear manufacturer, the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association – representing Northern California charter boat operators, and PCFFA. Victor Gonella, a prominent auto dealership owner and sportsman is spearheading the effort. GGSA’s target membership is organizations and individual commercial trollers, recreational anglers, fish processors and seafood restaurants, recreational fishing businesses and manufacturers, fishery scientists, environmentalists, and affected tribes.
The California Central Valley is the second largest salmon producing river system in the lower 48, second only to the Columbia/Snake system. Central Valley kings migrate from their natal Sierra streams through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay estuary to the Golden Gate out into the Gulf of the Farallones, moving south to Santa Barbara and extending north as far as Southeast Alaska. In a typical year, Central Valley kings account for 90 percent of California’s salmon harvest and up to 50 percent of the ocean salmon catch off Oregon and Washington. The precipitous decline of these salmon in recent years is attributed principally to the increased level of water diversions from the Bay-Delta estuary – i.e., the effect of these massive pumps changing the flow through the estuary and the damaging the food web of the estuary to feed the insatiable water appetite of San Joaquin Valley agribusiness and Southern California land development. The loss of flows further exacerbates water quality problems, predation of baby salmon, the growing number of invasive species, and shallow water habitat loss.
This is the first time since 1956, when commercial and recreational fishermen, fish processors and scientists came together to form Salmon Unlimited, that there has been such an effort in California. Salmon Unlimited was successful in helping to prevent the loss of that state’s salmon for a period of over 30 years, but its decline has brought home the need for a new coordinated effort that GGSA is being organized to carry out. The first coordinating meeting was held on 9 December in San Francisco and a governing Board will be established in early January. A website -- still in development -- has also been established. For more information, go to: www.goldengatesalmonassociation.org.
source: Fishlink Sublegals
The California Central Valley is the second largest salmon producing river system in the lower 48, second only to the Columbia/Snake system. Central Valley kings migrate from their natal Sierra streams through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay estuary to the Golden Gate out into the Gulf of the Farallones, moving south to Santa Barbara and extending north as far as Southeast Alaska. In a typical year, Central Valley kings account for 90 percent of California’s salmon harvest and up to 50 percent of the ocean salmon catch off Oregon and Washington. The precipitous decline of these salmon in recent years is attributed principally to the increased level of water diversions from the Bay-Delta estuary – i.e., the effect of these massive pumps changing the flow through the estuary and the damaging the food web of the estuary to feed the insatiable water appetite of San Joaquin Valley agribusiness and Southern California land development. The loss of flows further exacerbates water quality problems, predation of baby salmon, the growing number of invasive species, and shallow water habitat loss.
This is the first time since 1956, when commercial and recreational fishermen, fish processors and scientists came together to form Salmon Unlimited, that there has been such an effort in California. Salmon Unlimited was successful in helping to prevent the loss of that state’s salmon for a period of over 30 years, but its decline has brought home the need for a new coordinated effort that GGSA is being organized to carry out. The first coordinating meeting was held on 9 December in San Francisco and a governing Board will be established in early January. A website -- still in development -- has also been established. For more information, go to: www.goldengatesalmonassociation.org.
source: Fishlink Sublegals
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Coast Guard Emphasizes Boating Safety During Chinook Fishing Season
The Coast Guard is urging boaters to make safety their top priority during the Chinook fishing season.
An increased number of boaters are anticipated on the Columbia River in the coming weeks due to the predicted record spring Chinook run.
The Coast Guard is encouraging all boaters to use a common sense approach and a know-before-you-go attitude before and during recreational boating. Life jackets, radios, navigation equipment and weather forecasts are necessary preparations whenever you venture in the rivers. Have your vessel inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, file a float plan, and ensure you and your passengers are familiar with all safety equipment. And most importantly wear your life jacket.
Life Jackets: Life jackets save lives! Statistics show that a person's chance of survival greatly improves when wearing a life jacket. All children under the age of 12 and who weigh less than 90 pounds are required to wear a life jacket at all times while boating. Before boating, be sure that all life jackets are in good shape, fit properly, and are stowed in an easily accessible location. In 2008, two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned; and of those, 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
File a float plan and leave it with someone who is not recreating on the water. A float plan is a lifesaving device on paper and can assist emergency responders with locating a distressed mariner. Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
STAY SOBER! : Operating a boat under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and dangerous. Operating a vessel under the influence does not only put the passengers on the vessel at risk, it puts everyone else on the river at risk also. Check with state boating regulations for specific guidelines.
Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good marine radio is a very smart purchase. Cell phones should never be used as the primary form of communication on a vessel. The reception in some areas of the river may be poor or non-existent and precious time could be lost if an emergency does arise. A marine radio has many advantages such as a strong signal and channels reserved for distress calls. Distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, allowing for a quick response in cases of emergency.
Situational Awareness: The Coast Guard is reminding all boaters and waterway users to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is important to know the limitations of your vessel. Parents should always keep a watchful eye on their children at all times. Many vessels are expected to be on the water during the coming days and weeks, being aware of all things around you is important for your safety.
An increased number of boaters are anticipated on the Columbia River in the coming weeks due to the predicted record spring Chinook run.
The Coast Guard is encouraging all boaters to use a common sense approach and a know-before-you-go attitude before and during recreational boating. Life jackets, radios, navigation equipment and weather forecasts are necessary preparations whenever you venture in the rivers. Have your vessel inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, file a float plan, and ensure you and your passengers are familiar with all safety equipment. And most importantly wear your life jacket.
Life Jackets: Life jackets save lives! Statistics show that a person's chance of survival greatly improves when wearing a life jacket. All children under the age of 12 and who weigh less than 90 pounds are required to wear a life jacket at all times while boating. Before boating, be sure that all life jackets are in good shape, fit properly, and are stowed in an easily accessible location. In 2008, two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned; and of those, 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
File a float plan and leave it with someone who is not recreating on the water. A float plan is a lifesaving device on paper and can assist emergency responders with locating a distressed mariner. Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
STAY SOBER! : Operating a boat under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and dangerous. Operating a vessel under the influence does not only put the passengers on the vessel at risk, it puts everyone else on the river at risk also. Check with state boating regulations for specific guidelines.
Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good marine radio is a very smart purchase. Cell phones should never be used as the primary form of communication on a vessel. The reception in some areas of the river may be poor or non-existent and precious time could be lost if an emergency does arise. A marine radio has many advantages such as a strong signal and channels reserved for distress calls. Distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, allowing for a quick response in cases of emergency.
Situational Awareness: The Coast Guard is reminding all boaters and waterway users to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is important to know the limitations of your vessel. Parents should always keep a watchful eye on their children at all times. Many vessels are expected to be on the water during the coming days and weeks, being aware of all things around you is important for your safety.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2009 California Central Valley Salmon Runs at All Time Low
The Pacific Fisheries Management Council has just released numbers showing California’s once abundant Central Valley salmon runs came in at a new all time record low in 2009. The Council reports “In 2009, a total of 39,530 natural and hatchery Sacramento River Fall Chinook adults were estimated to have returned to the Sacramento River basin for spawning….The 2009 adult escapement estimate is the lowest on record and continues the declining trend in SRFC escapement despite the 2008 and 2009 closures of nearly all ocean Chinook fisheries south of Cape Falcon…” The prior record low, set in 2008, was about 66,000. Fisheries managers believe that a minimum escapement of about 122,000 are necessary to maintain healthy stocks.
The Council’s report shows that federally protected runs of winter and spring run chinook both came in at less than 5,000 individuals each. The San Joaquin River is in particularly bad shape with just under 2100 salmon, representing perhaps the last of their race there.
The last three years of salmon returns have each set new record lows and coincide directly with three of the highest years of San Francisco Bay Delta water diversions. Delta pumping kills juvenile salmon migrating through the Delta to the sea. It takes three years for surviving juvenile salmon to return as adults and to for fisheries managers to realize the full destruction caused by the pumps.
“We’re watching our salmon disappear in exact concert with a 16 percent increase of Delta water diversions over the last decade,” said Dick Pool of Water4Fish. “The full throttle pumping of Delta waters is wiping out valuable salmon worth over a billion dollars to the commercial and sport fishing sectors.”
All salmon runs, and many other fish species in the Delta, collapsed in 2007 after a dramatic increase in pumping of water to points south. As a result, regulators closed all ocean fishing of chinook (also known as king) salmon in California and most of Oregon in 2008 and 2009 to save the salmon. The Central Valley stocks typically provide 90 percent of all king salmon harvest off California and about 60 percent of all king salmon harvested off Oregon in both sport and commercial fisheries. When some ocean salmon stocks are that low, even healthy stocks that intermingle with damaged stocks as sea are put off limits to prevent accidental capture of too many of the interrmingling weak stocks, a process called “weak stock management.”
The economic analysis firm Southwick Associates has estimated that these closures have cost an estimated 23,000 jobs and $1.4 billion to the California economy. California has over 2,000 small and medium sized businesses that derive most or all of their income from the recreational and commercial salmon industry. These businesses include 1,200 commercial boats, 11 manufacturers, seven wholesalers, 904 retailers, 230 guides and charter boats, 74 marinas and hundreds of boat dealers and marine parts and service centers.
Behind those statistics lies enormous suffering by families along nearly one thousand miles of Pacific Coast. For two years boats have been tied up on docks, marina businesses have closed, and fishermen’s homes have been lost to foreclosure. West Coast restaurants that once featured locally caught salmon are increasingly turning to imported fish as local harvests decline.
Agricultural employment in the seven county areas impacted by the pumping restrictions was actually up between 2008 and 2009, and the California almond industry had record shipments of 1.39 billion pounds in 2008-2009, up 10 percent over 2007-2008. Over the same period, the Oregon and California salmon industries experienced near total shutdown.
On average, San Joaquin Valley agricultural contractors got 80 percent of their contract allocations last year, although there were some localized shortages primarily due to drought. In comparison, the average Westside deliveries in the past two decades have been about 60 percent of full allocations. A key issue has been the reckless 16 percent increase in Delta pumping over the last decade above levels of the 1990’s.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council report is available at: www.pcouncil.org/salmon/salsafe09/salsafe09.html.
source: Fishlink Sublegals
The Council’s report shows that federally protected runs of winter and spring run chinook both came in at less than 5,000 individuals each. The San Joaquin River is in particularly bad shape with just under 2100 salmon, representing perhaps the last of their race there.
The last three years of salmon returns have each set new record lows and coincide directly with three of the highest years of San Francisco Bay Delta water diversions. Delta pumping kills juvenile salmon migrating through the Delta to the sea. It takes three years for surviving juvenile salmon to return as adults and to for fisheries managers to realize the full destruction caused by the pumps.
“We’re watching our salmon disappear in exact concert with a 16 percent increase of Delta water diversions over the last decade,” said Dick Pool of Water4Fish. “The full throttle pumping of Delta waters is wiping out valuable salmon worth over a billion dollars to the commercial and sport fishing sectors.”
All salmon runs, and many other fish species in the Delta, collapsed in 2007 after a dramatic increase in pumping of water to points south. As a result, regulators closed all ocean fishing of chinook (also known as king) salmon in California and most of Oregon in 2008 and 2009 to save the salmon. The Central Valley stocks typically provide 90 percent of all king salmon harvest off California and about 60 percent of all king salmon harvested off Oregon in both sport and commercial fisheries. When some ocean salmon stocks are that low, even healthy stocks that intermingle with damaged stocks as sea are put off limits to prevent accidental capture of too many of the interrmingling weak stocks, a process called “weak stock management.”
The economic analysis firm Southwick Associates has estimated that these closures have cost an estimated 23,000 jobs and $1.4 billion to the California economy. California has over 2,000 small and medium sized businesses that derive most or all of their income from the recreational and commercial salmon industry. These businesses include 1,200 commercial boats, 11 manufacturers, seven wholesalers, 904 retailers, 230 guides and charter boats, 74 marinas and hundreds of boat dealers and marine parts and service centers.
Behind those statistics lies enormous suffering by families along nearly one thousand miles of Pacific Coast. For two years boats have been tied up on docks, marina businesses have closed, and fishermen’s homes have been lost to foreclosure. West Coast restaurants that once featured locally caught salmon are increasingly turning to imported fish as local harvests decline.
Agricultural employment in the seven county areas impacted by the pumping restrictions was actually up between 2008 and 2009, and the California almond industry had record shipments of 1.39 billion pounds in 2008-2009, up 10 percent over 2007-2008. Over the same period, the Oregon and California salmon industries experienced near total shutdown.
On average, San Joaquin Valley agricultural contractors got 80 percent of their contract allocations last year, although there were some localized shortages primarily due to drought. In comparison, the average Westside deliveries in the past two decades have been about 60 percent of full allocations. A key issue has been the reckless 16 percent increase in Delta pumping over the last decade above levels of the 1990’s.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council report is available at: www.pcouncil.org/salmon/salsafe09/salsafe09.html.
source: Fishlink Sublegals
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