It doesn't come as much of a surprise to fishermen on the West coast of the USA, but still the shock of being told that there will be no fishing this year is still something that sets them back.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted on Thursday to close the King Chinook fishery from lower Oregon down to Mexico, a decision that is designed to try and salvage what is left of the legendary California industry.
From San Francisco's fabled Fisherman's Wharf to the coastal towns of California and Oregon fears of a lifestyle on the verge of extinction are being expressed, as the total ban on fishing for salmon, the first time ever since the federal agency was created 22 years ago to manage the Pacific Coast fishery.
With Thursday's decision, California immediately declared a state of emergency and sent a letter to President Bush asking for his help in obtaining federal disaster assistance. A move that will aid in the bid to reverse the catastrophic drop in salmon returns gave more than enough evidence that a disaster was taking place off the coast of the two states.
The Washington State fishery is in a bit better circumstance, with a better return for their conservation goals expected.
In British Columbia, there has also been concern expressed about the returning stocks with particular emphasis placed on the southern runs, fishermen both in the commercial and the sports sector will be watching for DFO advisories with keen interest this season, with many worried that conditions may be worse than last season.
Los Angeles Times-- U.S. halts commercial salmon season
San Francisco Chronicle-- Salmon fishing off California, Oregon banned
San Jose Mercury News-- A season washed away: Salmon fishing shutdown tests Santa Cruz family
Seattle Post Intelligencer-- Fishing Summer of salmon like last year in Puget Sound waters
Seattle Post Intelligencer-- Wild salmon at $40 a pound?
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