Ocean Chinook Could be Cut by Over 75%
Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 4:45 pmThat's right, even though we are facing an increased forecast over last year for Columbia River Chinook this summer, our seasons may have drastic cuts due to impacts on Columbia River Chinook from Alaska and Canada. Here is an article from Mark Cedargreen from the Westport Charterboat Assoc.
March 31
Mark Cedergreen
Westport Charterboat Association CEO
Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water………..
Last week we gave you a pretty upbeat prognosis of the 2011 salmon season prospects. Unfortunately, there’s been a development that could reduce the sport and commercial seasons off Westport dramatically compared to last year.
When options for season quotas and management measures were developed in early march fishery managers used the most up-to-date information they had. This included estimates for Canadian and Alaskan impacts on Columbia River salmon. Late last week, when the allowable catches of Chinook were determined for these northern fisheries, the impacts turned out to be substantially higher than anticipated. As a result, and in order to stay within constraints dictated by our Federal government, the ocean fishery off Washington and northern Oregon may have to be severely reduced from what it could have been.
At the culmination of the March PFMC meeting we believed that Westport could enjoy a season very similar to last year. The quota of Chinook would be reduced but probably not below the level of actual catch in 2010.
Now it appears that even a 75% reduction in quota may not meet the constraints. That’s a travesty. Last years Columbia River run of Chinook numbered 650,000. This years: 750,000. Last years ocean non-Indian quota was 110,000. This year it could be as low as 25 or 30,000. With a one hundred thousand Chinook increase, sport and commercial fishermen we are facing a 70 or 80,000 Chinook decrease in allowable catch.
How this will all shake out by the time regulations are set on April 13 is not yet totally clear. The root of the problem is Federal policy – not State policy. Our state has no recourse other than to adhere to Federal mandates. If you attended last Monday’s public hearing at the Chateau Westport you are familiar with the issue. The system is definitely broken and desperately needs an overhaul.
We will update you as new information becomes available.
March 31
Mark Cedergreen
Westport Charterboat Association CEO
Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water………..
Last week we gave you a pretty upbeat prognosis of the 2011 salmon season prospects. Unfortunately, there’s been a development that could reduce the sport and commercial seasons off Westport dramatically compared to last year.
When options for season quotas and management measures were developed in early march fishery managers used the most up-to-date information they had. This included estimates for Canadian and Alaskan impacts on Columbia River salmon. Late last week, when the allowable catches of Chinook were determined for these northern fisheries, the impacts turned out to be substantially higher than anticipated. As a result, and in order to stay within constraints dictated by our Federal government, the ocean fishery off Washington and northern Oregon may have to be severely reduced from what it could have been.
At the culmination of the March PFMC meeting we believed that Westport could enjoy a season very similar to last year. The quota of Chinook would be reduced but probably not below the level of actual catch in 2010.
Now it appears that even a 75% reduction in quota may not meet the constraints. That’s a travesty. Last years Columbia River run of Chinook numbered 650,000. This years: 750,000. Last years ocean non-Indian quota was 110,000. This year it could be as low as 25 or 30,000. With a one hundred thousand Chinook increase, sport and commercial fishermen we are facing a 70 or 80,000 Chinook decrease in allowable catch.
How this will all shake out by the time regulations are set on April 13 is not yet totally clear. The root of the problem is Federal policy – not State policy. Our state has no recourse other than to adhere to Federal mandates. If you attended last Monday’s public hearing at the Chateau Westport you are familiar with the issue. The system is definitely broken and desperately needs an overhaul.
We will update you as new information becomes available.
