Despite the recent rain, California’s drought continues to have a major impact on salmon fishing. A US association banned salmon fishing along the entire coast.
California salmon fishing canceled
Although there have been many storms, the severe drought caused a huge impact on the salmon population. In 2022, about 196,000 adult fish were expected to return to the Sacramento River to spawn, but only 60,000 turned up.
“We also know that the number of young salmon in 2022 was really low. That is the number they use to forecast the abundance of adult salmon in the ocean this year,” said John McManus, president of the Golden State Salmon Association.
History of salmon shortage on the coast
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has canceled the salmon fishing season along the California coast. The last time something similar happened was in 2008-2009 after another prolonged dry spell, this being the second time in history that it has been cancelled.
“Fisheries managers have determined that there simply isn’t enough salmon in the ocean right now to comfortably get a return of adult salmon to spawn in 2023,” McManus said.
What do the fishermen think?
Although salmon fishing has declined, this impact of fish scarcity has not been seen as severe as it is today. Jared Davis, a worker at Salty Lady, explained that this situation is devastating.
“It’s devastating,” he said. “This is more than an income issue for me. It is an inability to do what I love. So, financially and personally, it’s devastating.”
Tim Elie, vice president of the Outdoor Pro Shop at Cotati, told cbsnews.com there will be “drastic changes, cutbacks. We will not be able to prosper. I have more than 20 employees. I have to pay and pay a living wage. So, it’s cutbacks, fewer orders and fewer products available.”