| 3/23/2006
The Associated Press |
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Gov. Ted Kulongoski is convening Oregon's congressional delegation, commercial fishermen, agency directors and others for an emergency summit next week to discuss the possible closure of coastal waters to commercial salmon fishing this year.
The third straight season of poor chinook returns to Northern California's Klamath River to spawn have federal fisheries managers considering closing 700 miles of coastline to salmon fishing for the May through October season, despite plentiful stocks elsewhere. They have already closed this year's spring season, and forecasts for next year are not good.
In a news release, Kulongoski expressed worry about the potential impacts on coastal communities.
"As governor, I will use all resources at my disposal to see that the people, businesses and communities hit hardest by this decision have hope and opportunity," he said.
"Past experience has demonstrated that federal aid often arrives too late, if any aid arrives at all. This is why I am bringing together key stakeholders and public officials to identify how we can provide immediate help for this important sector of Oregon's economy."
Kulongoski said the summit will be held Tuesday at the Capitol.
"I recognize that this year's problem results, in part, by federal management decisions in past years," he said. "Past policy on managing fish and water in the Klamath River is an important issue, but I want this summit to focus on short-term aid and long-term economic stabilization for Oregon's commercial fleet."
Federal fishery managers are considering three options. One would close the season in California and Oregon, and the others would impose deep reductions in the catch.
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Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?