In response to the low numbers of returning coho salmon, regional fishery managers are considering the shutdown of recreational and commercial salmon fishing off the coast of Washington and northern Oregon. The move is a rare one - the last time salmon fishing was prohibited in the waters was 1994.
Approximately 380,000 Columbia River hatchery coho are expected to return to the Washington coast this year, which is only half of last year's forecast. Furthermore, in 2015, around 242,000 coho returned to the Columbia River, an area where some coho stocks are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Although the move is an attempt to help the salmon population maintain its numbers, some are concerned that it will devastate coastal communities.
Butch Smith, owner of Coho Charters in Ilwaco, Wash., said a no-fishing option would have far-reaching effects.
"It's not what we want to see, since all the coastal fishing communities are dependent on tourism and our commercial fishers going out and catching salmon," he said. "That's our Microsoft and Boeing out here on the coast. Fishing is our lifeblood."
A salmon fishing shutdown would have effects on numerous businesses including restaurants and hotels.
The move is currently one of three options being considering by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The other two options permit some salmon fishing.
"We know that severely limiting opportunities will hurt many families and communities that depend on these fisheries," said Jim Unsworth, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. "But conserving wild salmon is our top priority."
"We hope it doesn't come to that," added Lorraine Loomis, chairwoman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. "Our cultures, treaty rights and economies depend on salmon. But the resource must come first. We face an extraordinary conservation challenge this year. In many instances, returns will likely be far below minimum levels needed to produce the next generation of salmon. Conservation must be our sole focus as we work to rebuild these stocks."
The council will make its final decision regarding the proposal at its April meeting in Vancouver, Wash., followed by the forwarding of its decision to the deferral agency before May 1. At this point, it will need to be approved before any action takes place.
