Salmon fishing off the California coast, particularly Chinook salmon, is facing a ban until spring due to an anticipated near-record-low number of fish that will return to the state's rivers to spawn. This measure is being recommended by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, which oversees West Coast fisheries, and will need approval by the National Marine Fisheries Service, NPR reports.

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The decline of salmon populations in the United States has negative impacts on the environment and the economy, as salmon are an important food source for wildlife and a valuable commercial and recreational fishery.

Decline of Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon is the largest Pacific salmon species, with some individuals weighing up to 126 pounds. However, their population has been facing a steady decline in recent years due to multiple threats. In addition to drought, heat waves, and agricultural activities that contaminate their habitat, overfishing, and habitat destruction caused by human activities are also contributing factors.

The declining population of Chinook salmon not only poses a threat to the survival of the species but also affects the fishing industry that relies on it.
of people. Salmon fishing is a significant source of revenue for coastal communities, and the $1.4 billion industry provides employment to thousands. With the temporary ban on commercial and recreational salmon fishing, the industry is expected to take a significant hit, affecting the livelihoods of many who depend on it.

"The economic impact of closing a good portion of the west coast ocean salmon fishery will negatively impact the people that participate in the fishery, and the small businesses in coastal communities that rely on the salmon fishery," Merrick Burden, the council's executive director, said in a statement.

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Chinook salmon is the largest Pacific salmon species, and its population is declining due to overfishing, habitat destruction, drought, heat waves, and agricultural activities.

Reasons for Decline

The impact of human activity on the water supply in California has been severe. Californian lost about 125 million acre-feet of groundwater (about 41 trillion gallons) from the Central Valley between 1920 and 2013, according to Reveal. due to unsustainable water management practices. This has had a devastating impact on fish populations, with many species struggling to survive in degraded water conditions. In addition to salmon, several other species such as steelhead trout and Delta smelt are also under threat due to declining water quality. The survival of salmon is contingent upon clean and cold water, particularly in rivers and streams where they migrate and spawn. Nevertheless, the current extreme drought in California has resulted in a decrease in the availability of such water. Furthermore, farming and grazing activities that introduce sediments and chemicals into waterways have played a role in the reduction of fish populations.

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Salmon are a group of fish species that are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to mature, and then return to freshwater to spawn.

Low Forecasted Population

If federal researchers are correct, fewer than 170,000 adult fall Chinook salmon could return to the Sacramento River this year, one of the lowest forecasts since 2008, USA TODAY reports. Chinook salmon are declining in the Klamath River, too, as fewer than 104,000 are expected to arrive this season, the second lowest estimate since such research began in 1997, Phys.org reports. The Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon was declared overfished in 2018, and the Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon is quickly approaching an overfished condition.

Previous Shutdown

In 2009, salmon fishing was halted in the region to help the population recover when about 122,200 adult fall Chinook salmon were forecast to return to the Sacramento River. Now, about 23 out of the 31 genetically distinct kinds of salmon and trout in California are at risk of extinction sometime in the next century, according to a report by the University of California, Davis, and the conservation group California Trout.

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Habitat loss and degradation are major threats to salmon populations, as urban development, agriculture, and logging can destroy or alter critical spawning and rearing habitats.

Restoration Efforts

There is hope for the recovery of the salmon population in California. The largest river restoration and dam removal project in the United States is currently underway in the Klamath Basin in California, with both federal and state agencies working together to make it happen, Resilience reports. This project aims to restore the natural habitat of the salmon, making it easier for them to migrate and spawn. The dam removals are expected to improve water quality, reduce the risk of toxic algae blooms, and improve the flow of the river, which will have a positive impact on salmon populations. Furthermore, recent wetter weather in California is also good news for fishery scientists, who are hoping that it will help to alleviate the effects of the drought on salmon habitats. The combined efforts of the river restoration and dam removal project, as well as the improved weather conditions, are expected to have a significant impact on the recovery of the salmon population in California.

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There are seven species of salmon in the United States: Chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, chum, steelhead, and Atlantic.

Urgent Action Needed

A 2017 report published by the University of California, Davis, and the conservation group California Trout reveals that 23 out of the 31 genetically distinct kinds of salmon and trout in California are at risk of extinction in the next century. This is a significant concern, as salmon are an important part of California's ecosystems and economies.

California is not the only place where salmon populations are at risk. In the Pacific Northwest, salmon and steelhead populations have declined by more than 50% over the past century, leading to the listing of several species under the Endangered Species Act.

According to the 2020 State of Salmon in Watersheds report, 10 of 14 species of salmon and steelhead trout in Washington State that have been deemed endangered and are protected under the Endangered Species Act, are lagging recovery goals.

Salmon populations are facing serious threats to their survival, and immediate action is needed to save them from extinction. We must prioritize protecting their habitats, cleaning up waterways, and regulating fishing practices. As individuals, we can support conservation groups, advocate for river restoration and dam removal, and commit to responsible fishing practices.

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Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities can also harm salmon populations, as pollutants can make their way into waterways and impact the fish's health and ability to reproduce.

Take Action Now

Sign the pledge to take action to save salmon from extinction. Together, we can protect these magnificent creatures and ensure their survival for future generations.