OldBlackDog
Well-Known Member
Salmon Fisheries Set As Managers Start Process To Protect Endangered Orcas
by Jes Burns New science shows that the southern resident orcas depend on several of the same salmon runs regulated by the fisheries council — runs on rivers as far south as the Rogue, Klamath and Sacramento.
While federal officials say the likelihood that this process will result in fishery closures, the notice to council members said, “any activities that affect the abundance of Chinook salmon available to Southern Resident Killer Whales have the potential to impact the survival and population growth of the whales.”
There has been concern that Northwest fishermen will disproportionately be penalized in order to protect the orcas.
“It’s just not a one-stop shopping fix. I think a country [Canada] and Alaska have to also be engaged in the recovery of these whales,” Smith said.
The consultation won’t affect this year’s fishery, but officials aim to have the process complete in time to set salmon limits in 2020.
by Jes Burns New science shows that the southern resident orcas depend on several of the same salmon runs regulated by the fisheries council — runs on rivers as far south as the Rogue, Klamath and Sacramento.
While federal officials say the likelihood that this process will result in fishery closures, the notice to council members said, “any activities that affect the abundance of Chinook salmon available to Southern Resident Killer Whales have the potential to impact the survival and population growth of the whales.”
There has been concern that Northwest fishermen will disproportionately be penalized in order to protect the orcas.
“It’s just not a one-stop shopping fix. I think a country [Canada] and Alaska have to also be engaged in the recovery of these whales,” Smith said.
The consultation won’t affect this year’s fishery, but officials aim to have the process complete in time to set salmon limits in 2020.
