OREGON COAST — Some Oregon and California U.S. senators are asking for a federal salmon fishery disaster declaration to support economic recovery in coastal communities in the two states after extensive commercial fishing closures due to declining salmon populations.
In April, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, a federal body that regulates commercial and sport fishing, made its 2017 salmon season recommendations. As a result, nearly half of the Oregon coast and a 130-mile section of the California coast — from Florence to Horse Mountain- is closed to commercial fishing.
In a letter written to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Friday, Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and California Sens. Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein wrote that salmon catches have consistently declined over the last decade and that the disaster designation will provide a safety net to keep fishermen in business.
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