Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis have announced a request for a Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration to support fishing communities impacted by the closure of the ocean salmon season. This request comes as the Pacific Fishery Management Council unanimously recommended a full closure of California's commercial and recreational ocean salmon season for the second consecutive year.

The Governor emphasized the importance of addressing the long-term crisis that has severely impacted salmon populations due to climate extremes. Governor Newsom stated, "Decades of climate extremes have severely impacted our salmon populations, and we’re taking action to address this crisis for the long-term." The request for the Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration aims to provide much-needed relief to communities affected by the closure.

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis echoed the sentiment, expressing that "California is taking action to get our salmon fishing communities the support and relief they need." The request for the disaster declaration is seen as a critical tool to assist impacted Californians during this challenging time.

The Newsom Administration has been proactive in addressing the salmon crisis, having already invested over $800 million in state funds over the past three years to protect and restore salmon populations. Governor Newsom launched California's Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, outlining priorities and actions to improve salmon populations in the state. The strategy includes habitat restoration projects, the largest dam removal in history on the Klamath River, and initiatives to boost the resilience of hatchery-raised salmon.

Efforts to restore and protect salmon populations include moving endangered adult winter-run and threatened spring-run Chinook salmon to better habitat, restoring tidal wetlands, establishing minimum instream flows in rivers, and expanding partnerships with tribes for restoration projects.

The request for a Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration is part of a broader effort by the Newsom Administration to support fishing communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of salmon populations in California.