Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday joined other officials in renewing their call for the federal government to provide relief to salmon fishermen impacted by the partial closure of salmon season along the West Coast.

The governor joined Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer on a conference call with U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez along with the governor of Oregon and several members of the California and Oregon congressional delegations.

Those included Congressman Mike Thompson, D-Helena, and Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith. After the conference call, Schwarzenegger said the federal government needs to follow in the footsteps of California in terms of aid.

”California has proven that where there's a will, there's a way -- California stepped up to the plate and proposed $45 million in grants and loans to assist those Californians whose livelihoods are threatened by this federal decision,” he said.

He said the decision to “severely restrict the commercial salmon fishing season along the West Coast” could have devastating repercussions.

”Unless there is immediate federal action, those who rely on salmon fishing may lose their boats, permanently shut their doors or be forced out of their livelihoods,” Schwarzenegger said.

”Despite declarations of emergencies in California and Oregon; despite my request and those from Gov. Ted Kulongoski, Sen. Feinstein and the California delegation to the secretary to use his authority to help clear the way for federal assistance, the situation remains bleak unless the federal government takes responsible measures to help the salmon industry recover,” he said.

Schwarzenegger said he thought Gutierrez “listened to our calls for action.”

”I know he understands how serious the situation is,” he said. “I look forward to his response."