The Pacific Fishery Management Council Thursday approved three options that outline where West Coast fishermen might be allowed to cast their lines and nets beginning this spring.
Chuck Tracy with the council says there remains a chance that California's salmon fishery could be closed altogether when the council issues its final decision during a meeting in Oregon next month.
“There is some concern that the stock has been below 122,000 for three years and as a result the council wants to add some additional assurance that they can meet the spawning escapement objective in 2010.”
If fishing for Sacramento River fall-run chinook salmon is allowed off California's coast, it would be limited for both commercial and recreational boats.
Washington and Oregon fishermen are expected to fare better because fall-run Chinook salmon are more abundant there.
Chuck Tracy with the council says there remains a chance that California's salmon fishery could be closed altogether when the council issues its final decision during a meeting in Oregon next month.
“There is some concern that the stock has been below 122,000 for three years and as a result the council wants to add some additional assurance that they can meet the spawning escapement objective in 2010.”
If fishing for Sacramento River fall-run chinook salmon is allowed off California's coast, it would be limited for both commercial and recreational boats.
Washington and Oregon fishermen are expected to fare better because fall-run Chinook salmon are more abundant there.