California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to take necessary action to aid an industry severely impacted by poor ocean conditions and other environmental factors. It is true that salmon fishery is facing lots of trouble and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has recommended that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce close the commercial and recreational salmon fisheries in California for the 2008 season.
California Governor has issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in California and sent a letter to President Bush asking for his help in obtaining federal disaster assistance. According to him a fund about $5.3 million will be issued for the betterment of coastal salmon and steelhead fishery restoration projects. Governor Schwarzenegger said that California’s salmon runs are a treasured state resource and provide significant contributions to our economy and our environment.
According to him the decision of PFMC underscores the responsibility of the state to quickly free up state and federal resources to help the fishing industry cope with the devastating economic impacts closing the season will have. The recommendation of the PFMC will now go to the California Fish and Game Commission for a final decision via a process. It is said that the Commission will work to provide further fishing opportunities to Californians while ensuring the future of salmon fishing in the state.
