Fisheries off West Coast States: West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Federal Salmon Regulations for Overfished Species Rebuilding Plans

Key Points

• 1Fishing limits are being reduced for certain salmon species that are considered overfished, meaning the populations have been caught faster than they can reproduce
• 2Commercial fishing operations, recreational anglers, and Native American tribes that rely on salmon fishing will face stricter catch limits and possibly shorter fishing seasons
• 3The rules apply to federal waters off California, Oregon, and Washington, and include plans to monitor salmon populations and adjust regulations as populations recover
• 4Fishing communities and related businesses may experience economic impacts due to reduced fishing opportunities, though the goal is to ensure salmon populations survive long-term
• 5NOAA Fisheries will track salmon recovery progress and can modify the rules over time if populations improve or decline

Key Dates