Rep. Thompson Introduces Salmon Disaster Relief Bill on First Day of Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 04, 2007

WASHINGTON-On the first day of the 110th Congress, North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced legislation to provide federal disaster relief to California and Oregon’s salmon fishing industry. The bill authorizes the appropriation of $60.4 million for the fishermen, tribes and businesses that were impacted by the commercial fishery failure of 2006. California Senator Barbara Boxer also introduced companion legislation today in the Senate.

Representatives Lois Capps, Anna Eshoo, Sam Farr, Peter DeFazio, Darlene Hooley, Doris Matsui, George Miller, Tom Lantos, Zoe Lofgren, Lynn Woolsey and David Wu co-authored Congressman Thompson’s legislation. Senator Boxer’s legislation is co-authored by Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden.

“It is our responsibility to do everything we can to help the thousands of families and businesses that are suffering from the largest commercial salmon fishery disaster in our nation’s history,” said Thompson. “The devastating impact this disaster has had on California’s North Coast has been apparent for years, and it is time we help bring this important industry back to life.”

The fisheries disaster was due in large part to poor federal management of the Klamath River, which caused 80,000 adult salmon to die in 2002. Since then, the salmon population has continued to deteriorate, forcing the Pacific Fisheries Management Council to sizably reduce the fishing seasons in 2005 and 2006. As a result, the commercial fishing season has been cut by more than 90 percent this year, costing fishing families and associated fishing businesses more than $60 million.

There is also an expectation that the commercial salmon season will be significantly reduced in 2007, as well.

“Getting our fisherman and salmon businesses back on their feet is a top priority for me and my colleagues from California and Oregon,” said Thompson. “But is also important that we stay focused on restoring the salmon population in the Klamath so this disaster does not continue into the future. That’s why we passed legislation last congress requiring the government to implement a salmon restoration plan, and I look forward to monitoring the government’s progress.”

In December, the House and Senate passed a bill setting a six-month deadline for a finalized comprehensive recovery plan for salmon on the Klamath River. The provision was included in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act at the request of Thompson and Boxer. It is the first time Congress has ever required the implementation of a disaster recovery plan.

Source:  http://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/index.asp?ID=104