According to the report the vote marks the first time since 2007 that the state’s primary ocean salmon sportfishing areas will see normal seasons. Both commercial and recreational fishing have been closed or sharply curtailed the past three years by a steep decline in the Sacramento River fall chinook species, typically the most abundant on the coast.
After voting the commission permits recreational salmon fishing, starting April 2, in state waters roughly between Cape Mendocino and Point Sur. State waters extend out three miles from shore. Marija Vojkovich, marine region supervisor at the state Department of Fish and Game, said the population of Central Valley chinook salmon now in the ocean is estimated at 730,000 fish.
He added that this year the season would be very strong compared to the last few years. Opening weekend could produce $8.2 million in economic benefits for businesses serving anglers at ports in Fort Bragg, San Francisco and Monterey, Vojkovich said, adding that the closures in recent years have cost the industry an estimated $707 million.
