California Gov. Schwarzenegger Statement Following U.S. Commerce’s Declaration of a Commercial Fishery Failure

05/01/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez's declaration of a commercial fishery failure due to a fishery resource disaster in California:

"I commend the Secretary of Commerce's decision today based on the alarmingly low number of salmon returning to the rivers of California, Washington and Oregon. The salmon industry contributes greatly to our economy and way of life, and this news couldn't come at a more critical time for the fishermen and businesses that will be hurt by the loss of the salmon season."

Today's declaration follows a letter sent by Governor Schwarzenegger, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire and Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski to Commerce Secretary Gutierrez in March requesting such an action. It makes California, Oregon and Washington eligible for federal funding under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act.

Governor Schwarzenegger and his Administration are working closely with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Mike Thompson and Senator Dianne Feinstein on securing much needed disaster funds for the affected fishermen and related businesses.

Last month, the Governor sent a letter to President Bush requesting his help in obtaining federal disaster assistance followed by a joint letter from Governor Schwarzenegger, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire and Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski to House Speaker Pelosi requesting her help in obtaining emergency appropriations.

The Governor also declared a state of emergency in California and directed numerous state agencies and departments to take various actions to help those affected by the closure of the salmon season.

On April 10, the Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended the closure of commercial salmon fisheries in California for the 2008 season. Following their recommendations, California's Fish and Game Commission took action to close recreational ocean fishing and is scheduled to vote on the closure of the recreational season next week. The Fish and Game Commission is working to ensure that fishing opportunities remain available for other species and where salmon remain healthy.

Source: California Governor