Commercial Salmon Fishing to Resume Along California Coast After Three-Year Closure

Commercial salmon fishing along the California coast will resume this spring after a three-year shutdown that began in 2023. The Pacific Fishery Management Council, a federal body that manages West Coast ocean fisheries, is set to vote on a plan to reopen the season under strict limits. This follows observations of increased Chinook salmon populations.

The closure in 2023, 2024, and 2025 was the longest in state history and resulted from a sharp decline in Chinook salmon. Biologists attribute the population decline to factors including dams that block spawning areas, loss of floodplain habitats, and warming river temperatures from droughts. The 2020-2022 drought exacerbated these conditions by raising water temperatures downstream from dams.

The shutdown led to significant income losses for commercial fishing crews.

Some shifted to catching crabs or other fish, while others left the industry or the state. The federal government provided $20.6 million in disaster relief funds for California fishing communities affected by the 2023 closure. Fishermen in the San Francisco region will be allowed to catch up to 160 Chinook salmon per vessel during open periods in May and August, and 100 in September.

Limits vary by region, and the plan sets a total cap on fall-run Chinook catches for the season. These restrictions aim to protect recovering populations while permitting limited fishing.

The executive director of the Golden State Salmon Association described the reopening as providing some financial relief to crews.

A 66-year-old fisherman from Half Moon Bay moved to Arizona after the 2023 closure and now fishes in Oregon. He received $8,000 from the relief funds but stated it did not cover his losses. A commercial fishing boat operator from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf noted that many have left the port for other work.

She expressed concern about the long-term viability of coastal fishing communities. The operator added that the limited season offers a boost but does not restore pre-shutdown operations.

The closure also impacted recreational anglers and sportfishing charter businesses.

Recreational ocean fishing reopened for several days last year after a two-year ban, also under strict limits. The Pacific Fishery Management Council's vote is expected on Sunday, with fishing to begin this spring if approved.