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| DESPITE an abundance of salmon in
ocean waters, federal officials have heavily restricted salmon season,
putting the squeeze on those who make their living catching fish. The
problem is that most of the salmon are from the Sacramento River,
while Klamath River stocks are declining.
The feds have put the brakes on the season, because out in the open water, fishermen can't distinguish the abundant Sacramento fish from the vulnerable Klamath stock, making it impossible to catch one variety without endangering the other. Federal agencies have engineered the disaster by pursuing policies that have allowed water to be diverted from the Klamath for irrigation and hydropower. Lower water levels cause higher water temperatures and an increase in the numbers of parasites. California representatives had sought $81 million in federal relief for salmon fishermen, but the Republican-led Congress would agree only to $2 million, and that only after some arm twisting. That left the state holding the bag, and Gov. Schwarzenegger has stepped up by backing a $35 million plan — a combination of loans and cash — to aid the fishing industry. The federal government is dodging its responsibility for a crisis it helped create, and there's not much reason to believe it will reverse course in the near future. We appreciate that the governor and legislators are picking up the pieces, but they also need to keep the big picture in mind, and should look at spending the money in the most efficient way possible. Simply bailing out the volatile fishing industry is the wrong way to go, since it can easily turn into a perpetual commitment, the way it has with the farming industry. It's certainly understandable that fishermen complain they're not offered the massive subsidies that farmers receive. Strictly as a matter of fairness, they have a point. But following one massive subsidy with another is not the answer. Also, loans may be a quick fix, but may further strain funds and fishermen if these lean years aren't followed by fat ones. The governor and the Legislature could instead offer income supplements to help some fishermen, while allocating resources to retrain others for work in other fields. The federal government's behavior in this matter has been irresponsible, and salmon fishermen deserve better. We applaud the state's efforts, but caution that it needs to make sure it doesn't get sucked into a long-term commitment. |