The Pacific Fishery Management Council has voted to close the 2025 commercial salmon fishing season in California for a third consecutive year. The decision was made due to a predicted low number of fall-run Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, in the Sacramento River.
Causes of the Closure
• A drought that occurred years ago has had a lasting impact on the salmon population. • State and federal water management policies have made it difficult for the species to thrive. • Excessive water diversions by farmers have led to warm river temperatures and low flows, making it difficult for baby salmon to survive.
Impacts of the Closure
* The closure will be felt by both commercial and recreational fishermen. * Commercial fleets have been particularly hard hit, with fewer than 900 permits for commercial salmon fishing in the state compared to 1,200 in 2010. * Recreational fishing charters have also been affected, with many devoting their boats to other activities to stay afloat.
Background on Salmon Fishing in California
Sacramento River fall-run Chinook, historically the largest contributor to the ocean salmon harvest off California and Oregon, have experienced dramatic declines over the last five years. The Pacific Fishery Management Council has also voted to highly curtail the commercial salmon fishing season in Oregon this year.
The Role of Water Management
* Salmon must swim upstream to lay their eggs and then make their way out to the ocean through waterways that wind through the state. * Cool water flows are necessary for this process, but excessive water diversions have led to warm river temperatures and low flows. * The ongoing battle over where to route the water and how much tends to pit California environmental groups and anglers against the state’s farm industry.
Quotes
• “This closed commercial and token recreational fishing season is a human tragedy, as well as an economic and environmental disaster,” said Scott Artis, executive director of Golden State Salmon Association.
Table: Salmon Fishing Permits in California
| Year | Commercial Fishing Permits |
| — | — |
| 2020 | 900 |
| 2019 | 900 |
| 2018 | 900 |
| 2017 | 1,200 |
| 2010 | 1,200 |
Key Points
* The closure of the commercial salmon fishing season in California is a result of a predicted low number of fall-run Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River. * The closure will be felt by both commercial and recreational fishermen, with many devoting their boats to other activities to stay afloat.
Background on the Pacific Fishery Management Council
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is responsible for managing West Coast fisheries. The council voted to close the commercial salmon fishing season in California and Oregon due to the low number of fall-run Chinook salmon.
Recreational Fishing
* Recreational fishing charters have also been affected, with many devoting their boats to other activities to stay afloat. * Anglers are becoming less interested in halibut and cod, as they would be in salmon.
Example of the Impact on the Environment
• The Sacramento River fall-run Chinook, a key species, has experienced dramatic declines over the last five years. • The closure of the commercial salmon fishing season will help to conserve the remaining fish, but it will also have a negative impact on the local economy.
Definition: Salmon
• Salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. • They are a crucial part of the marine ecosystem, playing a key role in the food chain.
Highlights
• The closure of the commercial salmon fishing season in California is a result of a predicted low number of fall-run Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River.
