There were forty three attendees at the PFMC public input Ring (like Zoom) meeting on Wednesday, March 24th. A mix of commercial and recreational anglers voiced their opinions regarding the three alternatives proposed by the PFMC for salmon fishing in the ocean. The good news is that South of Cape Falcon, all the recreational anglers at the meeting supported Alternative 1 (120,000 Mark Select (hatchery) Coho Salmon and two Chinook Salmon per day), which provides the greatest fishing opportunity.

Of concern are the Klamath River Fall Chinook. These fish range up to the Heceta Banks, feeding during the summer. Alternatives 2 (no Chinook harvest August 16 – 31) and 3 (no Chinook harvest in August) are potential conservation measures to protect these salmon. I requested, if conservation measures are adopted by the PFMC, that a reduction to one Chinook salmon be considered. Of those who testified at the meeting there was no support for the Chinook harvest reductions in alternatives 2 and 3.

The PFMC is taking public input regarding the proposed ocean salmon fishing alternatives until April 5th. I encourage all OCA members and friends to get involved. You can send your comments via the PFMC “E-Portal for Public Comments” found at April 6-9 and 12-15, 2021 Council Meeting – Pacific Fishery Management Council (pcouncil.org).

The PFMC will meet April 6 – 9 and 12 – 15 to decide on ocean fishing regulations for 2021. This will be a webinar meeting, which the public can attend. ODFW will announce ocean salmon fishing regulations for Oregon, soon after the PFMC meeting.