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Total fishing ban on salmon weighed
Last Updated 6:27 am PST Friday, February 29, 2008
Story appeared in METRO section, Page B2
SACRAMENTO – Officials warned Thursday that a total closure of commercial and recreational salmon fishing may be needed this year to protect dwindling Sacramento River fall-run chinook populations.
In a preseason report, the Pacific Fishery Management Council offered data showing the 2007 Sacramento fall run reached its lowest level in 37 years of recordkeeping. The report largely confirms data leaked to the media last month.
But various officials went further, warning that all salmon fishing may have to be closed in 2008 to protect the Sacramento fall-run chinook. The normally abundant run underpins a coastal fishery with an average annual economic value of $103 million.
"This is very bad news for West Coast salmon fisheries," council Chairman Don Hansen said in a statement. "The world 'disaster' comes immediately to mind."
The cause of the run's decline is not known, but probably is related to both ocean and in-stream problems. The council has developed a list of 46 possible causes.
A full closure of salmon fishing is one option the council will consider when it meets March 8-14 in Sacramento. A final decision is expected in April.
– Matt Weiser
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