A Fort Bragg-based fishing group is trying to hook Mendocino Coast business leaders on an effort to reopen salmon fishing in 2009.
“Our desire is self-centered because we want to fish, but how is the coast going to economically survive without a strong tourist base? The area has taken commercial and recreational fishing financial impacts for granted,” said John Innes of the North Coast Fishermen”s Association, a group of about 100 local recreational fishing enthusiasts.
All California ocean salmon fishing was closed in 2009 when the number of fish returning to the Sacramento River system plunged .
North Coast Fishing Alliance members have been knocking on doors of campgrounds, grocery stores and all others hit by the economic impact caused by the axing of fishing season to build support for its efforts to raise awareness of the importance of fishing locally. A special meeting was held two weeks ago for businesses to give their input.
“Although the problem we are facing is much more complex than we have control over, we must do our best to make sure our governmental representative and commissions understand the impact to the North Coast. We lost timber, then commercial fishing, all we have left as a sport attraction to the coast is salmon and rock fish,” said Innes, who retired to the Mendocino Coast, in part for the thrill of fishing for king salmon..
The group is asking people to write to the Pacific Fishery Management Council to tell that quasi-federal organization how losing all salmon fishing will hurt the coast, with comments due by Wednesday, Feb. 18.
“We are trying to build a base of local business to help put pressure on PFMC and Fish & Game to be a little more innovative in their approach to possible fishing. Yes, we are experiencing a decline in salmon, but look at Oregon Fish & Game who have managed to regulate the take by utilizing a flexible season with the few days allowed put on weekends and holidays. This is continually watched and adjusted according to available fish,” said Innes
Experts have predicted another dismal salmon return this summer, meaning likely complete closure of all recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing.
With an economic crisis on one hand and a drought looming on the other, the news couldn”t be worse for salmon or those who depend on them in 2009.
“Our local economy has become a tourism-based economy. Without fishing opportunities, there is less of a reason to visit the North Coast,” said insurance man and group member Brad Clark.
“With the current recession deepening, I think there are a lot of local businesses that will have trouble surviving without a thriving tourism industry,” he said.
The state Department of Fish and Game estimates the salmon closure this year has cost the California economy $255 million and 2,263 jobs.
The NCFA has been working to educate locals about the impact with mixed results. The special meeting attracted only about a dozen business people. The group hopes the Chamber of Commerce and local promotional organizations will get more involved.
“It”s interesting that I have been unable to get any specific dollar figures regarding the economic impact to the coast from recreational fishing, but I believe it is over $10 million annually,” said Innes.
“It is easy to see the impact at our local launching ramps or the traffic in our campgrounds, motels, supermarkets, etc., and on the Highway 1 and 20 roads.”
Although only fishermen, processors and others directly impacted got payment from the fishing disaster money that Congressman Mike Thompson helped arrange last year, the impact is much wider, Innes said.
“If I am close with my impact of $10 million, that means [less] people who are here and will buy a local newspaper, possibly purchase a second home, need insurance for the home,” he said.
Realtors, hotel owners and others who deal with tourists know that many upscale visitors only come for the grand pink fish.
“Many retired people on good fishing years, spend over a month here on the coast. How much of their money is spent with our local businesses?” said Innes.
A much better season is predicted in 2010, when the outmigrating salmon class “class” of 2007 is expected to return in sizable numbers. But nobody is sure about that.
The NCFA isn”t restricted to anglers, has regular meetings, fund-raisers and the members most of all enjoy fishing when that is possible. The NCFA is a member of the FISH committee and has been involved in the wave energy issue. The group is also raising funds for the upcoming implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act, which is expected to come to the northern region in 2011.
Ironically, Innes thinks the fires of last summer may have provided an economic cushion that has made local businesses fail to realize the amount of business lost to the salmon closure.
“I believe the business community does not totally feel the effects of the lack of fishing because of the fires we had last year. If you think back, this area and town were full of firemen for a long period of time. In talking to a restaurant owner, he thought it over and realized he would have had a serious negative impact had it not been for the fires,” Innes said.
The next event of the group is a cioppino dinner, which is scheduled for 6 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at Portuguese Hall in Fort Bragg. Tickets are available at Redwood Liquors in Fort Bragg. Call 964-9334 for information.
How to be heard
How to comment on the upcoming decision by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council about salmon fishing in 2009: Comments are due by Wednesday, Feb. 18. More information is located at www.joinrfa.org or by calling 964-8326
Written comments to:
Donald O. McIsaac, Executive Director
Pacific Fishery Management Council
7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101
Portland, OR, 97220
Comments may be mailed, emailed
to pfmc.comments@noaa.gov, or faxed to (503) 820-2299.
