West Coast Salmon Fishing Season Canceled Due to Low Stock

Chinook salmon fishing off the California coast will be suspended until next spring due to a near-record-low number of fish expected to return to the state's rivers to spawn. The Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended the measure, which would temporarily ban both commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the state, and it will need to be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service by May 16. The decision is expected to take a toll on the $1.4 billion fishing industry, which supports 23,000 jobs in the state. The species has become increasingly endangered due to drought, heat waves, and agriculture.