Sonoma County’s fishing community facing uncertain future with potential salmon season closure
In 2024, California's ocean salmon fishing industry stands at a critical juncture. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), cognizant of the challenges salmon populations face due to years of drought and environmental pressures, has laid out three potential paths for the salmon fishing season off California's coast. These options range from limited fishing opportunities to a complete closure for the second consecutive year—a decision with profound implications for Sonoma County’s fishers, who grapple with the aftermath of previous closures and ongoing environmental and regulatory challenges.
Dick Ogg, president of the Bodega Bay Fisherman's Marketing Association, explains. “They need to come up with three options, each impacting us differently. Some options might leave a little room for commercial activity, but it's all quite uncertain,” underscoring the dire straits faced by those who rely on the sea for their livelihood.
Ogg also holds significant roles in various other environmental and fishing organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for the California Salmon Council, is a director in the Bodega Bay Community Fishing Association, and is a member of numerous advisory councils, including the Cordell Banks Advisory Council, the Dungeness Crab Task Force, and the Gulf of the Farallons Advisory Council.
The potential for another season of deep cuts or complete shutdowns looms large, posing not just an economic challenge but a threat to a way of life cherished by many generations.
“This cuts to the heart of Bodega Bay,” Ogg said. “We're a real working fishing community.”
The proposals before the PFMC reflect a cautious stance towards managing the fragile salmon populations, especially the Sacramento River Fall Chinook and Klamath River Fall Chinook, which are crucial to the fishery. With stocks forecasted to be well below average, the council weighs the merits of short seasons with stringent quotas and trip limits or a full closure to foster recovery. For commercial fishers like Ogg, this could mean navigating a season of tightly controlled quotas, a scenario fraught with uncertainty.
“It’s a tough choice. A complete shutdown benefits fish stocks in the long term but is financially devastating. Limited fishing opportunities might offer a short-term solution but don't address the bigger picture. We're caught between a rock and a hard place,” Ogg said.
Recreational fishers, too, face potential restrictions, with the possibility of short open periods punctuated by the looming threat of early cancellations should catch limits be met. Amid these uncertainties, new strategies in salmon fishery management emerge, including harvest limits to curb over-fishing while allowing for some economic activity.
Yet, the soul of the community shines through in difficult times. Ogg speaks to the exceptional support within Sonoma County, emphasizing how community efforts, led by figures like supervisor Lynda Hopkins, rally to sustain those affected.
“The community’s response has been incredible. It's all about maintaining our identity and ensuring we have the support we need, whether financial, emotional, or equipment donations,” Ogg said. “We're doing everything possible to keep our heads above water and ensure local people understand we're a vital resource.”
As the PFMC gears up for a public hearing in Santa Rosa on March 25 to deliberate on these critical decisions, the local fishing industry holds its breath, hoping for outcomes that balance preserving salmon stocks with continuing their livelihoods.
In the meantime, Ogg would like to see a faster turnaround for disaster relief funds. “Financial support from the government would be critical. It's minimal at best right now,” he said. “By the time help arrives, many of us are barely hanging on. We're exploring methods and ideas to help, but it needs to be faster. The guys are in dire straits, and any money doesn't come until a year later, which doesn't help anyone.”
