Oregon Public Broadcasting

A new outlook from federal regulators presents a mixed bag for salmon fishing in the ocean this year.

Things are looking up for commercial and sports fishing off the northern Oregon and Washington Coasts.  But the forecast remains grim farther south.  Regional correspondent Tom Banse has more.

Last year, the West Coast had the most limited ocean salmon season in history.  The federal government declared the fishery a disaster and doled out tens of millions of dollars in relief.

Salmon specialist Chuck Tracy of the Pacific Fishery Management Council in Portland says this year is looking a little better.

Chuck Tracy: “I think there are some brighter spots.  Off the Washington coast and the northern Oregon coast, coho abundance is up quite a bit, so there will be some opportunity there.  Chinook abundances are adequate to provide some fishing opportunity.”

But Tracy says fishing off northern California and most of the Oregon Coast up to Tillamook will likely again be “pretty limited” to protect a weak run bound for the Sacramento River.

Federal fisheries managers will meet in two weeks to narrow the options for the 2009 ocean season.  Final word on how much salmon fishing there’ll be comes in April.

Online:

Pacific Fishery Management Council