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Alarmed Feds Cancel Salmon Season

Shocking plunge in numbers a mystery

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 11, 2008 5:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – In drastic action to stop the collapse of the West Coast salmon population, a federal fisheries council is banning salmon fishing off California and most of Oregon for the rest of the year, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. "This is a disaster," said the council chairman. The number of salmon spawning in California's Sacramento River system has plunged some 94% in six years.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency to seek federal funds for commercial fisherman. The ban is expected to suck $21 million out of the California economy alone. The reason for the alarming decline in salmon numbers remains a mystery, but some biologists believe global warming has changed the pattern of nutrient-rich ocean upwelling that sustain fish populations.

A barcode attached to the jaw of this chinook salmon, shown in a 2006 file photo, indicates that it was included in a genetic study where salmon from particular rivers are caught in the ocean.
A barcode attached to the jaw of this chinook salmon, shown in a 2006 file photo, indicates that it was included in a genetic study where salmon from particular rivers are caught in the ocean.   (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard, File)
Fishing boats sit moored at Fisherman's Wharf on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in San Francisco.
Fishing boats sit moored at Fisherman's Wharf on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in San Francisco.   (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Salmon sit on ice Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. T
Salmon sit on ice Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. T   (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Trolling gear is mounted March 19, 2007, on the stern of a salmon boat in Charleston Harbor in Charleston, Ore.
Trolling gear is mounted March 19, 2007, on the stern of a salmon boat in Charleston Harbor in Charleston, Ore.   (AP Photo)
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