GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

June 26, 2006

The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez Secretary of Commerce

US. Department of Commerce

1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230

Dear Mr. Secretary,

I cannot understand why another day needs to pass without a declaration of disaster for California's salmon fishing season. Fishermen who rely on a full season to pay the bills have been restricted to approximately 20 percent of their normal season. It is within your authority to declare a disaster. I urge your immediate action to provide the relief necessary to fishermen, business owners and fishing-dependent communities. Without your assistance, those who rely on commercial salmon fishing may lose their boats, permanently shut their doors or be forced out of their livelihoods.

The federal government's decision this year to substantially reduce the salmon season along the California and Oregon coasts and eliminate the in-river fishery has created a substantial economic hardship in these areas. Yet despite declarations of emergencies in California and Oregon, requests from Governor Ted Kulongoski and me that you use your authority to determine there has been a commercial fishery failure and continuous technical support from my staff, you have not accepted the seriousness of this situation. I am at a loss as to what further information you need so that our fishing-dependent communities can become eligible to receive disaster assistance.

These same fishermen worked extensively and in a professional manner with the states and your agency to provide the data to allow a limited commercial fishery this year. But it was clear at that time that the limited fishery would not be enough for the 'families to sustain themselves and their businesses, and it was not a substitute for necessary disaster assistance. These hardworking families and their communities deserve an explanation for why your immediate attention has been on hold.

In a letter dated April 5 2006, I requested that you use your authority under the MagnusonStevens Act to determine there has been a commercial fishery failure and therefore make fishing dependent communities eligible to receive economic disaster assistance. Our request was supported by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) southwest regional office. In your April 19 reply to me, you stated that you recognize the Klamath Basin is in trouble. For this reason, I was disappointed to learn that your department has now reportedly rejected NOAA's recommendation, an action that further delays the provision of disaster assistance that is critically needed along the Northern California and Oregon coasts.

California has invested millions of dollars to restore salmon habitats through partnerships with the federal government, local agencies and non-profit organizations. In addition, Governor Kulongoski and I, along with your department and other federal agencies, signed "The Klamath River Watershed Coordination Agreement." This agreement calls for development of a long-term management approach, common vision and integrated planning associated with the Klamath Basin. I remain tirelessly committed to that agreement and the approach it dictates.

Our efforts to restore critical habitat, however, do not address the immediate needs of fishermen and communities who are literally on the verge of bankruptcy. Earlier this month, I proclaimed a state of emergency in 10 California counties affected by the federal government's decision to reduce the salmon season and made available loan guarantees to those in need of financial assistance. I also requested the State Legislature approve $10 million in additional state funds to be invested for restoration in the Klamath Basin this year. While my administration has acted within its authority to address this crisis and to assist the people and communities hurt by this federal decision, corresponding federal assistance or even an acknowledgment of the need is missing. I strongly urge you to review these issues and act quickly to help. I look forward to your favorable reply.