05/01/2008 GAAS:220:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement Following U.S. Commerce’s Declaration of a Commercial Fishery Failure
Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement Following U.S. Commerce's
Declaration of a Commercial Fishery Failure
Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez's declaration of a commercial fishery
failure due to a fishery resource disaster in California:
"I
commend the Secretary of Commerce's decision today based on the alarmingly low
number of salmon returning to the rivers of California,
Washington and Oregon. The salmon industry contributes
greatly to our economy and way of life, and this news couldn't come at a more
critical time for the fishermen and businesses that will be hurt by the loss of
the salmon season."
Today's
declaration follows a letter sent by
Governor Schwarzenegger, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire and Oregon
Governor Theodore Kulongoski to Commerce Secretary Gutierrez in March requesting
such an action. It makes California, Oregon and Washington
eligible for federal funding under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act.
Governor Schwarzenegger and his
Administration are working closely with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman
Mike Thompson and Senator Dianne Feinstein on securing much needed disaster
funds for the affected fishermen and related businesses.
Last
month, the Governor sent a letter to
President Bush requesting his help in obtaining federal disaster assistance
followed by a joint
letter from Governor Schwarzenegger, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire
and Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski to House Speaker Pelosi requesting her
help in obtaining emergency appropriations.
The
Governor also declared
a state of emergency in California and directed numerous state agencies and
departments to take various actions to help those affected by the closure of
the salmon season.
On
April 10, the Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended the closure of
commercial salmon fisheries in California
for the 2008 season. Following their recommendations, California's Fish and Game Commission took
action to close recreational ocean fishing and is scheduled to vote on the
closure of the recreational season next week. The Fish and Game Commission is
working to ensure that fishing opportunities remain available for other species
and where salmon remain healthy.
