Officials in California and Oregon are calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries division to release emergency funding after salmon fisheries were closed in both states. Govs. Jerry Brown of California and Kate Brown of Oregon both asked the federal government for relief in May, though so far no funds have been provided.
“The closure affects nearly half of Oregon’s coastline, causing economic distress for already struggling coastal communities,” says The Oregonian. “In California, it is expected to result in a loss of $2.5 million in revenue. Both states were hard-hit by a poor 2016 season, which resulted in millions in lost revenue.”
Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and their California counterparts, Sens. Diane Feinstein and Kamala Harris, sent a letter Wednesday to NOAA pushing for action before the end of the year. The closures were largely spurred by drought and the impact of dams along major spawning rivers.
“In both of our states, closed or curtailed salmon fishing seasons have resulted in severe economic hardship felt throughout the seafood supply chain,” the senators wrote. “Working waterfronts have been unable to address basic repairs and upkeep. Seafood processing jobs have been lost. Fishermen have left the industry, unable to make a living on the water. These additive effects have resulted in a weakening of our coastal communities, which, if not provided for, may be lost.”