Ocean salmon restrictions?

I just read in a CDFW update that salmon projections are lower, and this may translate to restrictions along the coast. I think no decision has been made yet.

Do people have experience with this stuff? What does the CDFW typically do in these cases? Does it affect commercial fisheries only? Does it affect the length of the season? Fishing areas?

Here’s the relevant section from the update:
“The 2021 ocean abundance projection for Sacramento River fall Chinook, a main salmon stock harvested in California waters, is 271,000 adult salmon, which is about 200,000 lower than the 2020 forecast. The Klamath River fall Chinook abundance forecast of 181,500 adult salmon is slightly higher than the 2020 forecast but still significantly lower than the long-term average and will likely result in restricted fishing opportunity in the areas north of Pt. Arena.

“Klamath River fall Chinook abundance forecasts and spawner returns have been low over the last few years. Fisheries were limited on the northern sections of the California coast last year to reduce impacts on this stock, and that will likely be the case again this year” said Kandice Morgenstern, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Ocean Salmon Project. “Furthermore, with a reduced abundance forecast for Sacramento River fall Chinook, we could be looking at reduced fishing elsewhere along the coast, as well.”

The only thing that they do is shorter seasons.  They have the option of reducing limits to 1, but that hasn't happened in a long time.  At least a decade. 

I suspect we might not get anything more than a token season in the KMZ.

Get involved! The coastside folks are quite organized, would be great to see NCKA get involved as well! I’ve never been able to attend in person, but this year everything is virtual. If folks want to strategize send me a PM and maybe we can get some heads together.

March 2-5 and 8-11, 2021
PFMC March Meeting
Webinar Only
The Council will determine if any in-season action for fisheries scheduled to open from April 1 to May 15, 2021 is needed. They will also craft three regulatory alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries in effect on or after May 16. Final alternatives for public review will be adopted on March 11.
Preseason Report II: Proposed Alternatives and Environmental Assessment Part 2 for 2021 Ocean Salmon Fishery Regulations will be available online in late March at: link opens in new windowwww.pcouncil.org.


March 23, 2021
PFMC Public Hearing - California
Webinar Only
The Council will receive comments from the public on the three California ocean salmon fishery regulatory alternatives adopted by the Council in March. More information is available at: link opens in new windowwww.pcouncil.org.

Has NCKA or any kayaker group tried to propose separate rules for take by non-motorized means? An argument could be made that self-propelled vessels (eg kayaks) should have longer seasons or greater take limitations for salmon because they spend far less time on the water (due to barriers like tide, weather) and cover far less ground (both in totality and area of nautical miles covered - self evident I think).

Has NCKA or any kayaker group tried to propose separate rules for take by non-motorized means? An argument could be made that self-propelled vessels (eg kayaks) should have longer seasons or greater take limitations for salmon because they spend far less time on the water (due to barriers like tide, weather) and cover far less ground (both in totality and area of nautical miles covered - self evident I think).

Uh oh, I like your “special kayak fisherman option”, we might get a flood of rejection and “cancelled”, by woke or people whose “feelings are hurt” because they do not fish from a kayak and want equal representation?  I hesitate to press post but this is a political thread, is it not?

I don't know... as a kayak angler I would obviously be into that. But...I also feel the regs and future current regs should be supported and respected. We should have the same restrictions as everyone else. If you want the advantages of a boat, then get a boat. I feel that people should stop worrying about the restrictions and how they can change them. Maybe we should be looking more into why the salmon numbers are down and what we can do to change that. What we can do enviromently and with conservation to help. I don't know just rambling....probably regret hitting post

Special rules that benefit kayakers invite special rules that burden kayakers.

Maybe we should be looking more into why the salmon numbers are down and what we can do to change that.

Minus the "Maybe". 

100%

My belief is that if we do not learn to revere these fish and their habitats, we will lose them forever.  Such an attitude and posture that is most often attributed to native Americans is what we all need to adopt, IMO.  A message of opportunity on economic, cultural and spiritual levels regarding robust salmon populations is almost universally embraced - I know because I've been pitching it to different stakeholder groups and community segments for years.  The disconnect occurs when it comes to how to achieve this.  "Fixing" habitat, flows, traditions of exploitation and now a faltering ocean environment is a monumental undertaking.  Hatcheries and aquaculture will likely be the answers that are looked to for future salmon production because we just don't have a framework or the collective will to teach young human beings how extremely important and vital wild salmon and healthy streams/forests are for our own survival and the perpetuation of our species.

We can use nature to thrive instead of just being alive, but we are mostly fixated on immediate comfort and longevity instead of being driven to repairing and improving the very systems that can sustain us.

The Salmon Culture is a valid religion.  Praise the fish - they could save us.

I appreciate that perspective, Eric. Thanks for reminding us.

here, here Eric!

Maybe we should be looking more into why the salmon numbers are down and what we can do to change that.

Minus the "Maybe". 

100%

My belief is that if we do not learn to revere these fish and their habitats, we will lose them forever.  Such an attitude and posture that is most often attributed to native Americans is what we all need to adopt, IMO.  A message of opportunity on economic, cultural and spiritual levels regarding robust salmon populations is almost universally embraced - I know because I've been pitching it to different stakeholder groups and community segments for years.  The disconnect occurs when it comes to how to achieve this.  "Fixing" habitat, flows, traditions of exploitation and now a faltering ocean environment is a monumental undertaking.  Hatcheries and aquaculture will likely be the answers that are looked to for future salmon production because we just don't have a framework or the collective will to teach young human beings how extremely important and vital wild salmon and healthy streams/forests are for our own survival and the perpetuation of our species.

We can use nature to thrive instead of just being alive, but we are mostly fixated on immediate comfort and longevity instead of being driven to repairing and improving the very systems that can sustain us.

The Salmon Culture is a valid religion.  Praise the fish - they could save us.

Way way better than I expected.

These are the alternatives as proposed for full consideration.  These are still subject to change.

I hear you guys...environmental conscientious and working towards sustainability is something all of us should work towards, and as kayaker anglers (and as earthlings) agree, that is the bigger goal. Thanks for the perspective!

I’m also optimistic about the season if those are the three scenarios. I’ll take any of those scenarios, actually.

I'm all about preaching Salmon Culture - it's very real for me.

But HOT DAMN!  I'm stoked if we are still looking at a full season at the Cove.   

Thanks for the early word, counselor.   

HOT DAMN!  I'm stoked

+1!!! 

Update from today’s PFMC council meeting. You can listen in starting at the 8h22m mark. If I am understanding this correctly, the proposed alternatives for Ft Bragg and SF management areas are delayed.
For both regions
Alt 1: 6/28 -10/31
Alt 2: 7/1 - 10/24
Alt 3: 6/25 - 10/17

I believe these are not set in stone and will be discussed further but due to a variety of factors, the recommendations are for a shorter season. 

Good news is that Monterey area looks like it will open 4/3, w a 24” minimum size limit.

More to come. Stay tuned.