Sushihunter
Active Member
http://cbs5.com/localwire/22.0.html?type=bcn&item=SALMON-STUDY-bagm-
REGIONAL: REPORT ISSUED ON SALMON COLLAPSE, RENEWED FISHING BAN LOOMS
A recent report on the collapse of the Sacramento River salmon population concludes both oceanic and freshwater conditions were to blame.
The report, compiled by scientists at universities and federal, state and tribal agencies for the Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages West Coast fisheries, comes as the council prepares to renew a ban on commercial and recreational salmon fishing in California for the second straight year.
The study, released Wednesday, showed that coastal ocean conditions, including warm surface temperatures and fewer food sources, were not the only factors responsible for the disastrous decrease in Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon.
"The long-standing and ongoing degradation of freshwater and estuarine habitats and the subsequent heavy reliance on hatchery production were also likely contributors to the collapse of the stock," the study said.
Estimates in 2007 showed about 88,000 salmon, and about 66,000 in 2008, returned from the ocean to the Sacramento River to spawn, far below the council's conservation goal of between 122,000 and 180,000.
Chuck Tracy, fishery analyst for the council, said a recent forecast estimated 122,200 returning fish this season, leaving only 200 "to play with," he said.
From April 6 to April 8, the council will consider three options for this year's salmon fishing season at a meeting in Millbrae.
All three options would extend the ban on commercial salmon fishing for this season, Tracy said. One of the options would additionally allow 10 days of sport fishing in the Eureka/Crescent City area.
"So we're in just about the same boat we were in last year," said Tracy.
However, he added, "Ocean conditions are improving ... so we're hoping that survival will be better," with more returning adult fish this year, he said.
The council's decision will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for final approval before May 1, which would be the official start of salmon fishing season.
The cancellation last year affected the crews of some 600 commercial salmon fishing vessels, as well as related businesses. Congress later appropriated about $170 million for West Coast salmon disaster relief.
Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250
REGIONAL: REPORT ISSUED ON SALMON COLLAPSE, RENEWED FISHING BAN LOOMS
A recent report on the collapse of the Sacramento River salmon population concludes both oceanic and freshwater conditions were to blame.
The report, compiled by scientists at universities and federal, state and tribal agencies for the Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages West Coast fisheries, comes as the council prepares to renew a ban on commercial and recreational salmon fishing in California for the second straight year.
The study, released Wednesday, showed that coastal ocean conditions, including warm surface temperatures and fewer food sources, were not the only factors responsible for the disastrous decrease in Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon.
"The long-standing and ongoing degradation of freshwater and estuarine habitats and the subsequent heavy reliance on hatchery production were also likely contributors to the collapse of the stock," the study said.
Estimates in 2007 showed about 88,000 salmon, and about 66,000 in 2008, returned from the ocean to the Sacramento River to spawn, far below the council's conservation goal of between 122,000 and 180,000.
Chuck Tracy, fishery analyst for the council, said a recent forecast estimated 122,200 returning fish this season, leaving only 200 "to play with," he said.
From April 6 to April 8, the council will consider three options for this year's salmon fishing season at a meeting in Millbrae.
All three options would extend the ban on commercial salmon fishing for this season, Tracy said. One of the options would additionally allow 10 days of sport fishing in the Eureka/Crescent City area.
"So we're in just about the same boat we were in last year," said Tracy.
However, he added, "Ocean conditions are improving ... so we're hoping that survival will be better," with more returning adult fish this year, he said.
The council's decision will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service for final approval before May 1, which would be the official start of salmon fishing season.
The cancellation last year affected the crews of some 600 commercial salmon fishing vessels, as well as related businesses. Congress later appropriated about $170 million for West Coast salmon disaster relief.
Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250
