California announced a request for a Federal Fisheries Disaster Declaration to support salmon fishermen ahead of the looming closure of the 2023 season expected to take place in May, after projections indicate that the abundance of California Chinook salmon is at historic lows.
Recognizing the importance of salmon to California's commercial fisheries, Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis, on behalf of Governor Newsom, submitted the request to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo immediately after the Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended a complete closure of California's commercial and recreational ocean salmon season.
If approved, the Federal Fisheries Disaster Declaration will begin the process of providing necessary relief to fishing communities financially impacted by the closure.