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 salmon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 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
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
2015 Pacific Salmon Season (Recreational Fisheries)
Biologists are predicting good salmon runs up and down the Pacific Coast for the 2015 fishing season.
In March the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) adopted three public review options for the 2015 salmon season off the West Coast of the United States.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 30 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 31 in Fort Bragg, California.
The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 10-16 in Rohnert Park, California.
At its April meeting in Rohnert Park, the Council will narrow the options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
All PFMC meetings are open to the public.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open, and catch limits for all three options are available on the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
In March the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) adopted three public review options for the 2015 salmon season off the West Coast of the United States.
Public hearings to receive input on the options are scheduled for March 30 in Westport, Washington and Coos Bay, Oregon; and for March 31 in Fort Bragg, California.
The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, and revise preliminary decisions until it chooses a final option at its meeting April 10-16 in Rohnert Park, California.
At its April meeting in Rohnert Park, the Council will narrow the options to a single season recommendation to be forwarded to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for their final approval before May 1.
All PFMC meetings are open to the public.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open, and catch limits for all three options are available on the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council
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
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Fraser River Sockeye Salmon Disaster
A commercial fishery failure (disaster) has been declared for the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery in Washington State.
According to NOAA Fisheries, the fishery disaster was caused by the low return of sockeye salmon to the Fraser River, resulting in a subsequent closure of the fishery for the 2013 fishing season. The closure resulted in revenue losses of nearly 97 percent for tribal and non-tribal fishermen.
"The sockeye salmon fishery isn’t just economically significant for the state of Washington – it’s inextricably linked to its history and culture," said Secretary Pritzker. "Because returns of sockeye salmon were so low and caused significant losses of revenues, the fishery qualified as a resource disaster under the nation’s fishing law."
source: NOAA Fisheries
According to NOAA Fisheries, the fishery disaster was caused by the low return of sockeye salmon to the Fraser River, resulting in a subsequent closure of the fishery for the 2013 fishing season. The closure resulted in revenue losses of nearly 97 percent for tribal and non-tribal fishermen.
"The sockeye salmon fishery isn’t just economically significant for the state of Washington – it’s inextricably linked to its history and culture," said Secretary Pritzker. "Because returns of sockeye salmon were so low and caused significant losses of revenues, the fishery qualified as a resource disaster under the nation’s fishing law."
source: NOAA Fisheries
Saturday, October 27, 2012
NOAA-NFWF Pacific Coast Fish Habitat Projects
NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have awarded $135,000—and leveraged nearly $320,000 in matching, non-federal funds—for five fish habitat protection projects on the Pacific Coast.
The funding program was developed to promote voluntary coastal and marine protection activities within the National Fish Habitat Partnership. Each of the funded projects was endorsed by the Pacific Marine and Estuarine Fish Habitat Partnership and/or the California Fish Passage Forum.
The projects will incorporate the support of community conservation organizations, farmers, homeowners, recreational anglers, and boaters to protect habitat for threatened and endangered salmon and other commercially and recreationally valuable fish.
Funded projects include:
Increasing water flow during critical Coho salmon and steelhead trout migration in the San Gregorio watershed, California (American Rivers)
Establishing a voluntary, no anchor, eelgrass protection zone in Port Townsend, Washington (Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation)
Setting up a neighborhood conservation easement program to protect salmon habitat in San Juan County, Washington (Friends of the San Juans)
Acquiring 167 acres of coastal estuary and freshwater wetlands at Sand Lake, Oregon (North Coast Land Conservancy)
Protecting 120 acres of tidal wetlands in Tillamook Bay, Oregon (Wild Salmon Center)
source: NOAA FishNews
Monday, April 30, 2012
2012 CA Recreational Ocean Salmon Season
On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, recreational ocean salmon fishing will open in the area between Horse Mountain and the Oregon/California state line, including Humboldt Bay.
California's recreational fishery for salmon will remain open in ocean waters through Sept. 9, 2012. Ocean salmon fishing south of Horse Mountain opened on April 7.
In the fall of 2011, record numbers of “jack” Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the Central Valley and Klamath-Trinity basins. High numbers of “jack” returns are a good indication that large populations of adult salmon remain in the ocean and will be available to anglers in the upcoming season.
Even with a more conservative approach to estimating the ocean population, fishery biologists expect about two million Chinook salmon will be in California coastal waters through the summer.
The coast-wide recreational daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except coho. The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length between the Oregon/California state line and Point Arena (38° 57’ 30” N. latitude). For all areas south of Point Arena, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length through July 5, and 20 inches total length thereafter. The fishery closes south of Pigeon Point on Oct. 7 and between Pigeon Point and Horse Mountain on Nov. 11.
For anglers fishing north of Point Conception, no more than two single-point, single-shank barbless hooks may be used and no more than one rod 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 between Horse Mountain and Point Conception.
For complete ocean salmon regulations, visit the Ocean Salmon webpage at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp or call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline (707) 576-3429. The final 2012 ocean salmon regulations will be published in the DFG 2012 supplemental fishing regulations booklet available in May at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.
source: California Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
California's recreational fishery for salmon will remain open in ocean waters through Sept. 9, 2012. Ocean salmon fishing south of Horse Mountain opened on April 7.
In the fall of 2011, record numbers of “jack” Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the Central Valley and Klamath-Trinity basins. High numbers of “jack” returns are a good indication that large populations of adult salmon remain in the ocean and will be available to anglers in the upcoming season.
Even with a more conservative approach to estimating the ocean population, fishery biologists expect about two million Chinook salmon will be in California coastal waters through the summer.
The coast-wide recreational daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except coho. The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length between the Oregon/California state line and Point Arena (38° 57’ 30” N. latitude). For all areas south of Point Arena, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length through July 5, and 20 inches total length thereafter. The fishery closes south of Pigeon Point on Oct. 7 and between Pigeon Point and Horse Mountain on Nov. 11.
For anglers fishing north of Point Conception, no more than two single-point, single-shank barbless hooks may be used and no more than one rod 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 between Horse Mountain and Point Conception.
For complete ocean salmon regulations, visit the Ocean Salmon webpage at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp or call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline (707) 576-3429. The final 2012 ocean salmon regulations will be published in the DFG 2012 supplemental fishing regulations booklet available in May at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.
source: California Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Pacific Northwest Saltwater Fishing
 |
| Pacific Salmon |
Arguably one the best fishing destinations in the world, the Pacific Northwest is world renowned for its saltwater fishing. Anglers fish from ports in Alaska, B.C. Canada, Washington, and Oregon, and northern California.
Salmon, trout, and char are highly sought after in the Pacific Northwest. Anglers catch Chinook, silver, pink, sockeye and chum salmon as well as arctic charr, steelhead, and other species.
In Alaska and other northern areas, Pacific halibut are a top attraction for bottom anglers, with fish over 50 pounds commonly caught. Other bottom fish include lingcod and dozens of species of rockfish.
Although much of the fishing in the region occurs in cold, rainy weather the area is known for its comfortable, seaworthy charter boats and head boats. Onshore, anglers that visit the Pacific Northwest will find a wide range of fishing lodges and other accommodations.
Monday, January 30, 2012
2011 Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund Annual Report
NOAA Fisheries has released its 2011 Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund Report to Congress.
Under the PCSRF, NOAA supports tribal and state projects throughout the the Pacific Coast region; Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, and Alaska.
The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) was established by Congress in FY 2000 to protect, restore, and conserve Pacific salmon and steelhead populations and their habitats.
source: NOAA press release
Under the PCSRF, NOAA supports tribal and state projects throughout the the Pacific Coast region; Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, and Alaska.
The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) was established by Congress in FY 2000 to protect, restore, and conserve Pacific salmon and steelhead populations and their habitats.
source: NOAA press release
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Pacific Northwest Ocean Salmon Regulations
NOAA Fisheries Service recently announced that it has established fishery management measures for the 2011 ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California and the 2012 salmon seasons opening earlier than May 1, 2012.
Specific fishery management measures vary by fishery and by area. The measures establish fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (3-200 nautical miles) off Washington, Oregon, and California.
According to the agency, management measures are intended to prevent overfishing and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among treaty Indian, non-treaty commercial, and recreational fisheries. The measures are also intended to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement and to provide for fisheries occurring in state internal waters.
Details of the regulations are published in the Federal Register and public comments on the rule are invited.
source: NOAA FishNews
Specific fishery management measures vary by fishery and by area. The measures establish fishing areas, seasons, quotas, legal gear, recreational fishing days and catch limits, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (3-200 nautical miles) off Washington, Oregon, and California.
According to the agency, management measures are intended to prevent overfishing and to apportion the ocean harvest equitably among treaty Indian, non-treaty commercial, and recreational fisheries. The measures are also intended to allow a portion of the salmon runs to escape the ocean fisheries in order to provide for spawning escapement and to provide for fisheries occurring in state internal waters.
Details of the regulations are published in the Federal Register and public comments on the rule are invited.
source: NOAA FishNews
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.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
2011 Alaska Commercial Salmon Harvest Forecast
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announces that the statewide commercial salmon harvest for 2011 is forecast to total 203 million salmon of all species. This would be the fifth largest total harvest, and fourth highest pink salmon harvest, since Alaska became a state and took over the management of its fisheries in 1960. All major pink salmon producing areas are expected to produce abundant harvests. Statewide sockeye and chum salmon are also expected to generate excellent harvests, with chum salmon predicted to provide the fifth largest harvest since 1960.
The statewide Chinook salmon forecast is not yet available, because the Southeast Alaska Chinook harvest quota is set under the terms of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The Southeast Alaska quota will not be released by the Pacific Salmon Commission until late March or early April.
The 2011 harvest forecasts for the other four salmon species are 45.1 million sockeye salmon, 4.7 million coho salmon, 133.7 million pink salmon, and 19.2 million chum salmon.
These forecasts are based on quantitative projections of next year’s salmon run using information on previous spawning levels, smolt outmigrations, returns of sibling age classes, and recent survival rates observed for hatchery releases.
Look for inseason harvest information, postseason statistics, and other information about salmon in Alaska online here
The statewide Chinook salmon forecast is not yet available, because the Southeast Alaska Chinook harvest quota is set under the terms of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The Southeast Alaska quota will not be released by the Pacific Salmon Commission until late March or early April.
The 2011 harvest forecasts for the other four salmon species are 45.1 million sockeye salmon, 4.7 million coho salmon, 133.7 million pink salmon, and 19.2 million chum salmon.
These forecasts are based on quantitative projections of next year’s salmon run using information on previous spawning levels, smolt outmigrations, returns of sibling age classes, and recent survival rates observed for hatchery releases.
Look for inseason harvest information, postseason statistics, and other information about salmon in Alaska online here
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
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Salmon Month in San Francisco
SalmonAid presents Salmon Month at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco. Salmon fishermen, a group of independent family-owned enterprises, need help to restore the collapsing California salmon fisheries.
Through September, a variety of activities will be held at San Francisco's Aquarium of the Bay, including a "Meet the Fishermen" colloquium sponsored by the Institute for Fisheries Resources, a film festival, a kids' activities weekend and a music festival. These are family-oriented events that will be great fun as well as highly educational.
For more information, go to www.salmonaid.org.
source: Fishlink Sublegals
Through September, a variety of activities will be held at San Francisco's Aquarium of the Bay, including a "Meet the Fishermen" colloquium sponsored by the Institute for Fisheries Resources, a film festival, a kids' activities weekend and a music festival. These are family-oriented events that will be great fun as well as highly educational.
For more information, go to www.salmonaid.org.
source: Fishlink Sublegals
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
California DFG to Release Three Million Salmon
Three million young Chinook salmon, or smolts, will be released at the mouth of the American River the week of May 10 by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG).
"Our goal is to increase the spawning returns of fish reared at Nimbus Hatchery to the lower American River," said Senior Environmental Scientist Joe Johnson of DFG's Central Region."Last year more than half of the salmon returning to the American River originated from the Mokelumne, Feather or Upper Sacramento rivers. This year we're taking clear steps to ensure that more fish return to the waters where they were raised."
To ensure the highest survival rates of the smolts on their down river migration, DFG and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) are coordinating release timing, flows and closure of the Cross Channel Gates operated by BOR during the short migration period.
"Our goal is to increase the spawning returns of fish reared at Nimbus Hatchery to the lower American River," said Senior Environmental Scientist Joe Johnson of DFG's Central Region."Last year more than half of the salmon returning to the American River originated from the Mokelumne, Feather or Upper Sacramento rivers. This year we're taking clear steps to ensure that more fish return to the waters where they were raised."
To ensure the highest survival rates of the smolts on their down river migration, DFG and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) are coordinating release timing, flows and closure of the Cross Channel Gates operated by BOR during the short migration period.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Pacific Coast Salmon Seasons to Open
The Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted a set of salmon seasons that provides both recreational and commercial opportunities coastwide for the first time since 2007.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2010. “While modest at best in historical terms, this season represents a substantial improvement over the seasons in California and Oregon in the last two years. It will be good to have fishermen back on the water,” said Council chairman Dave Ortmann.
North of Cape Falcon
Fisheries north of Cape Falcon (near Nehalem in northern Oregon) depend largely on Columbia River stocks. Columbia River fall Chinook returns in 2009 were mostly above average, although the North Lewis River wild return was slightly less than the
management objective of 5,700 adults. Forecasts for 2010 were generally above average, including a record high for the Spring Creek Hatchery stock. Columbia River hatchery coho returning to the river mouth were the highest since 2001. However, the 2010 forecast is substantially lower than in 2009. North of Cape Falcon, there is an overall non-Indian total allowable catch of 117,000 Chinook and 80,000 marked hatchery coho.
Recreational Fisheries
The recreational Chinook season north of Cape Falcon begins June 12 and ends June 30 or when 12,000 marked Chinook are caught. The Chinook season will be open seven days per week, two fish per day, with a 24 inch total length minimum size limit.
All salmon seasons are divided into four sub-areas.
Seasons begin July 1 (or July 4 in the Westport sub-area) and end in mid to late September.
For details, please see the season descriptions on the Council website at:
http://www.pcouncil.org/wpcontent/uploads/PFMC_Adopted_Salmon_Regs.pdf
Commercial Fisheries
Non-Indian ocean commercial fisheries north of Cape Falcon include traditional Chinook seasons in the May-June timeframe and all salmon seasons in the July to September timeframe. The Chinook quota of 56,000 is more than twice the 2009 quota.
The coho quota of 13,000 is about one third of the 2009 quota.
Tribal ocean fisheries north of Cape Falcon are similar to recent years, although coho quotas are also much smaller than in 2009.
South of Cape Falcon
Fisheries south of Cape Falcon are supported by Sacramento River fall Chinook. In 2008 and 2009, poor Sacramento returns led to the largest fishery closure on record. In 2009,adult spawning escapement for Sacramento River fall Chinook failed to meet the escapement goal (122,000-180,000 adults) for the third year in a row, leading to the formal declaration of an overfishing concern (although fishing is not considered one of the major causes of the stock’s decline). The forecast for the Sacramento Index of ocean abundance in 2010 is 245,500 adults, which provides adequate numbers for limited fisheries.
The Klamath River fall Chinook forecast for 2010 is sufficient to allow some fishing opportunity. The Oregon Coast natural coho forecast in 2010 is about 70 percent of last year’s forecast, but still above the 15 year average.
Recreational Fisheries
Recreational fisheries in Oregon will allow Chinook retention and run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. There will also be a concurrent mark-selective coho fishery from starting June 26 and ending either September 6 or when the quota of 26,000 is reached.
Recreational fisheries in California are for Chinook only and run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends in the Eureka/Crescent City area, and from April 3 to September 6 in areas further south; however, fishing will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday south of Point Arena. The minimum size limit will be 24 inches for Chinook coastwide.
The escapement goal, or conservation objective, is the optimal number of adult fish returning to spawn in order to maximize the production of the stock.
Commercial Fisheries
Commercial fisheries from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt., Oregon will be open from May 1 through August 25 with some three-day-a-week closures in July. Fisheries in the Humbug Mt. to California border area will be open in May, July and August, with the July and August fisheries on quotas of 1,500 Chinook for each month.
Commercial fisheries in California are very limited, but will include two four-day openers in July south of Point Arena, and additional quota fisheries in the Fort Bragg area during late July and August.
California and Oregon fisheries also include a catch-and-release genetic study during closed periods.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council news release
The recommendation will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by May 1, 2010. “While modest at best in historical terms, this season represents a substantial improvement over the seasons in California and Oregon in the last two years. It will be good to have fishermen back on the water,” said Council chairman Dave Ortmann.
North of Cape Falcon
Fisheries north of Cape Falcon (near Nehalem in northern Oregon) depend largely on Columbia River stocks. Columbia River fall Chinook returns in 2009 were mostly above average, although the North Lewis River wild return was slightly less than the
management objective of 5,700 adults. Forecasts for 2010 were generally above average, including a record high for the Spring Creek Hatchery stock. Columbia River hatchery coho returning to the river mouth were the highest since 2001. However, the 2010 forecast is substantially lower than in 2009. North of Cape Falcon, there is an overall non-Indian total allowable catch of 117,000 Chinook and 80,000 marked hatchery coho.
Recreational Fisheries
The recreational Chinook season north of Cape Falcon begins June 12 and ends June 30 or when 12,000 marked Chinook are caught. The Chinook season will be open seven days per week, two fish per day, with a 24 inch total length minimum size limit.
All salmon seasons are divided into four sub-areas.
Seasons begin July 1 (or July 4 in the Westport sub-area) and end in mid to late September.
For details, please see the season descriptions on the Council website at:
http://www.pcouncil.org/wpcontent/uploads/PFMC_Adopted_Salmon_Regs.pdf
Commercial Fisheries
Non-Indian ocean commercial fisheries north of Cape Falcon include traditional Chinook seasons in the May-June timeframe and all salmon seasons in the July to September timeframe. The Chinook quota of 56,000 is more than twice the 2009 quota.
The coho quota of 13,000 is about one third of the 2009 quota.
Tribal ocean fisheries north of Cape Falcon are similar to recent years, although coho quotas are also much smaller than in 2009.
South of Cape Falcon
Fisheries south of Cape Falcon are supported by Sacramento River fall Chinook. In 2008 and 2009, poor Sacramento returns led to the largest fishery closure on record. In 2009,adult spawning escapement for Sacramento River fall Chinook failed to meet the escapement goal (122,000-180,000 adults) for the third year in a row, leading to the formal declaration of an overfishing concern (although fishing is not considered one of the major causes of the stock’s decline). The forecast for the Sacramento Index of ocean abundance in 2010 is 245,500 adults, which provides adequate numbers for limited fisheries.
The Klamath River fall Chinook forecast for 2010 is sufficient to allow some fishing opportunity. The Oregon Coast natural coho forecast in 2010 is about 70 percent of last year’s forecast, but still above the 15 year average.
Recreational Fisheries
Recreational fisheries in Oregon will allow Chinook retention and run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. There will also be a concurrent mark-selective coho fishery from starting June 26 and ending either September 6 or when the quota of 26,000 is reached.
Recreational fisheries in California are for Chinook only and run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends in the Eureka/Crescent City area, and from April 3 to September 6 in areas further south; however, fishing will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday south of Point Arena. The minimum size limit will be 24 inches for Chinook coastwide.
The escapement goal, or conservation objective, is the optimal number of adult fish returning to spawn in order to maximize the production of the stock.
Commercial Fisheries
Commercial fisheries from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt., Oregon will be open from May 1 through August 25 with some three-day-a-week closures in July. Fisheries in the Humbug Mt. to California border area will be open in May, July and August, with the July and August fisheries on quotas of 1,500 Chinook for each month.
Commercial fisheries in California are very limited, but will include two four-day openers in July south of Point Arena, and additional quota fisheries in the Fort Bragg area during late July and August.
California and Oregon fisheries also include a catch-and-release genetic study during closed periods.
source: Pacific Fishery Management Council news release
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
State of the Salmon Conference
State of the Salmon is hosting a conference entitled Ecological Interactions between Wild & Hatchery Salmon.
The event is said to be the first international effort to explore the scale and magnitude of the ecological effects of hatcheries, identify important gaps in knowledge and work towards resolving key issues.
The conference will be held May 4–7, 2010, at the Portland Hilton in Portland, Oregon.
For more information, visit www.stateofthesalmon.org
The event is said to be the first international effort to explore the scale and magnitude of the ecological effects of hatcheries, identify important gaps in knowledge and work towards resolving key issues.
The conference will be held May 4–7, 2010, at the Portland Hilton in Portland, Oregon.
For more information, visit www.stateofthesalmon.org
PFMC Announces West Coast Salmon Fishing Options
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) laid out its three options for west coast salmon fishing seasons on Thursday 11 March. The three options would allow at least limited recreational fishing, and two of the three options would allow minimal commercial fishing off the California coast. Oregon and Washington fared better, with recommendations for them for receiving much more fishing opportunity in both the recreational and commercial fisheries. Like California, much of the Oregon ocean salmon fishery was closed down in both 2008 and 2009 to protect damaged California Central Valley fall chinook runs from complete collapse.
The Pacific Council’s 12 March press release can be found at: www.pcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/0309press_release_FINAL.pdf
source: Fishlink Sublegals
The Pacific Council’s 12 March press release can be found at: www.pcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/0309press_release_FINAL.pdf
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)