Schwarzenegger
on Partial Closure
of
Salmon Season in California
By: Office of the Governor
Apr 29, 2006
Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the
following statement in response to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's Fisheries Service's (NOAA Fisheries) approval of an
emergency rule to restrict salmon fishing along the Oregon and California
coasts:
"The Klamath River Basin Chinook salmon are a vital component of our
natural resources and provide significant recreational, commercial and
economic benefits to our state and our people. I will make sure that we
continue to work with federal agencies, the state of Oregon, Native
American tribes and others to improve the long-term health of the Klamath
River, but we must take immediate steps now to help communities that rely
on this resource for subsistence and economic stability.
"It is critical that we understand the full range of economic impacts
of the restricted salmon season. We must also secure immediate financial
assistance from the federal government for the coastal communities that
are impacted by this action."
Also today prior to the official announcement by NOAA Fisheries, Governor
Schwarzenegger and Governor Kulongoksi of Oregon sent joint letters to
several members of Congress in support of their efforts to address the
emergency situation posed by the potential restriction of salmon season.
On April 6, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council voted to recommend
restrictions on salmon fishing opportunities for commercial and
recreational anglers. The NOAA Fisheries officially accepted those
recommendations today.
In an April 5 letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Governor
Schwarzenegger requested that an analysis be done of a commercial fishery
failure should the recommendations be adopted. This request would lay the
groundwork for economic assistance for California commercial salmon
fishermen affected by the partial closure of this year's salmon fishing
season. The Department of Fish and Game estimates the economic impact may
exceed $60 million.
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