| September 18, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON INFORMATION NOTICE: Recreational ocean salmon anglers in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain are reminded that the non-selective coho coho fishery ended on Sunday, September 15 with approximately 93% of the 30,700 coho quota harvested. After considering potential effort and catch rates, managers have determined that there is not enough remaining quota to reopen coho fishing for an additional day without risk of exceeding the quota and corresponding ESA impact allocation reserved for this fishery.
Anglers are reminded that recreational Chinook fishing (technically all salmon except coho) remains open in the area, through October 31 with a daily bag limit of two salmon (24” minimum length). Beginning October 1, the fishery is only open shoreward of the 40-fathom management line.
September 11, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the States of Washington and California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN: The ocean recreational salmon season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. closes to the retention of coho salmon effective 11:59 PM Sunday, September 15, 2024. The season remains open for Chinook salmon with a daily bag limit of two salmon (24” minimum length). All other rules and regulations remain in place.
RATIONALE: The Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain non-mark-selective coho salmon season opened on Sunday, September 1, 2024, with a revised adjusted quota of 30,700 coho salmon. As of Sunday September 8, the coho salmon catch was estimated at 17,789, or approximately 58% of the total quota. Forecasting the coho harvest for the week starting on September 9 indicates that there is a reasonable likelihood that the revised quota may be met by the end of the week. Managers agreed that the best approach is to close the fishery to retention of coho at the end of Sunday. Anglers are reminded that following the closure to coho retention the fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain remains open for all salmon except coho, with a two salmon daily bag limit. Beginning October 1, the fishery is only open shoreward of the 40-fathom management line.
August 28, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the State of California met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM on Sunday, September 1, 2024, transfer 5,700 coho salmon of the impact neutral rollover of the remaining August coho salmon quota of the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border to the September recreational non-mark-selective fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. This transfer increases the non-mark-selective coho salmon quota in the September 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024, recreational fishery from 25,000 non-mark-selective coho salmon to a revised quota of 30,700 coho salmon.
RATIONALE:
A provision included in the 2024 ocean adopted regulations for ocean salmon fisheries between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. allows for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective recreational coho season on an impact neutral basis. The most constraining stock in the transfer to the recreational fishery this season is Oregon Coast Natural (OCN) coho, and the preseason impact rates on OCN coho are not exceeded by this transfer.
August 15, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Thursday August 15, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to 25 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per landing week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Chinook landings have been lagging behind expectations and industry requested fishery managers to consider a modest increase to the weekly landing and possession limit to better facilitate accessing the remaining quota within the season structured dates. After review, it was determined that adjusting the weekly landing and possession limit up to 25 Chinook from the limit of 20 from the past two weeks would not create a risk of exceeding the Chinook or the coho quotas.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid Oregon commercial license and a valid Oregon troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon under an Oregon license and permit are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 15, 2024 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational ocean salmon fishery, the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Monday, August 19, 2024 through 11:59 PM Thursday, August 22, 2024, the recreational fishery in the area between Cape Falcon and Leadbetter Point (Columbia River Subarea) is open to fishing for salmon. Daily limit of two salmon, no more than one of which may be a Chinook. All coho must be marked with a healed adipose fin clip. Chinook minimum size limit of 22 inches. Columbia River Control Zone closed.
- Effective 12:01 AM Friday, August 23, 2024, the recreational fishery in the area between Cape Falcon and Leadbetter Point (Columbia River Subarea) is closed to fishing for salmon. Possession of salmon on board a vessel is prohibited in the Columbia River Subarea.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The season was closed to angling after August 11 based on the projection that the coho harvest was likely to come very close to the remaining quota. After review of last week’s catch estimates, there were landings of 7,134 coho leaving 3,828 coho remaining on the quota. After reviewing likely effort and catch projections, it was determined that there is enough remaining quota to open for the four weekdays.
August 8, 2024 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational ocean salmon fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Recreational ocean salmon angling within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Sub-area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), closes effective 12:01 AM on Monday, August 12, 2024.
- Possession of salmon on vessels in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Sub-area is prohibited at any time when the season is closed within this same area.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The marked Coho Salmon harvest in this area is expected to approach the quota of 39,900 Coho Salmon by the end of the day on Sunday, August 11. Through Sunday, August 4 an estimated 29,028 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota leaving only 10,873 Coho Salmon remaining on the quota. During the week of July 29-August 4 there were an estimated 6,647 angler-trips and a harvest of 8,675 Coho Salmon and 726 Chinook Salmon for an average catch of 1.55 salmon per angler-trip. Fishery managers have been reviewing trip information from the current week of fishing and have seen a higher number of trips per day this week, but a moderate reduction in the catch rate per angler. Projected harvest for the week is for 10,420 Coho to be landed which would take the fishery to within 452 Coho of the quota as of Sunday night.
July 31, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 12:01 AM Thursday August 1, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to 20 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per landing week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Reduced landing and possession limits have been implemented to minimize the risk of exceeding the Chinook quota in the summer U.S./Canada border to Cape Falcon ocean salmon troll fishery, and with the goal of maximizing season duration and opportunity to access the coho salmon quota. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
• Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. • Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov . Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 10, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and other regional fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 12:01 AM July 11, 2024, the Chinook quota in the July-September commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon has been reduced from 16,400 to 13,800. There are no changes to weekly landing and possession limits at this time.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook in the spring fishery was 25,434, which was 834 above the spring quota of 24,600. A reduction of 2,600 to the summer quota is necessary to remain within pre-season modeled impacts, reducing that quota from 16,400 to 13,800. Additional regulations that apply to vessels holding Oregon permits and fishing north of Cape Falcon during the 2024 season include:
• Landing and possession limits of 40 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA. and Cape Falcon, OR. Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28" total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27" total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 27, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 12:01 AM July 1, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to 40 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel for the period July 1-10, and effective 12:01 AM July 11, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to to 40 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per landing week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Reduced landing and possession limits have been implemented to minimize the risk of exceeding the Chinook quota in the summer U.S./Canada border to Cape Falcon ocean salmon troll fishery, and with the goal of maximizing season duration and opportunity to access the coho salmon quota . Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
• Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. • Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 18, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be close effective 11:59 PM Wednesday June 19, 2024 thru 11:59 PM Sunday June 30, 2024. Vessels must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of the closure.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through June 19 is estimated at 24,382 Chinook out of the 24,600 Chinook quota leaving only 218 Chinook remaining on the quota. The fishery will close at the end of the current landing week 11:59 PM Wednesday June 19, and vessels must land and deliver their catch within 24 hours of the closure. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
• Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. • Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
May 16, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the recreational ocean salmon season from the Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
All salmon caught in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border must be landed within the State of Oregon for any opening salmon seasons from May 16 through October 31, 2024
RATIONALE:
Recent concerns were raised by the State of California regarding the recreational salmon fishery just across the border in Oregon. Specifically, as California has no salmon openings this year, the concerns included enforcement of the existing regulations and California’s inability to adequately monitor the fishery landings in Crescent City, CA. It is still legal for Californians to trailer their boat to an Oregon port, purchase Oregon angling licenses and catch record cards, fish within waters off Oregon, and travel back to California with their catch by land.
May 16, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS has modified the Chinook salmon landing and possession limits for the commercial salmon troll fishery north of Cape Falcon as follows:
Effective 12:30 PM Thursday, May 16 the following modifications are in place:
- Overall landing and possession limit for the entire area between Cape Falcon and the U.S./Canada border of 225 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
- Landing and possession limit in the area between the U.S./Canada border and the Queets River of 70 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
- Landing and possession limit in the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point of 225 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
- Landing and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon of 80 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
RATIONALE: The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon have been relatively slow during the first two openings with only 3,425 Chinook landed out of the overall quota of 24,600. Relative to Oregon fishers:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River to the West of Tongue Point, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2024 seasons are anticipated to be June 8-11, June 19-25, July 3-25, August 2-3, and August 11-31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
April 24, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met Tuesday via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery for all salmon except coho from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon including the subarea from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will open beginning May 1. This season will follow the rules and specifications adopted by the PFMC on April 10 for the 2024 seasons. This season will continue through the earlier of June 29; the May-June overall quota of 24,600 Chinook salmon; or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon, May-June subarea quota of 5,710 Chinook salmon (see additional regulations below).
- The minimum length for Chinook salmon beginning with the May 1, 2024 season opening from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be 27” total length (this length will apply in all open seasons in this area through May 15, 2025 unless modified by in-season action).
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from the 2023 season setting process for the period of May 1-15 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2024 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2024 through May 15, 2025. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Only vessels with a Washington troll permit may fish within the area from Leadbetter Pt. to the Columbia River within 3 nautical miles of shore.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to landing locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River West of Tongue Point, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length from North of Cape Falcon on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for more than 48 hours (those dates for the 2024 May through September seasons will be June 8-11, June 19-25, July 3-25, August 2-3, and August 11-31).
- Vessels fishing in the area between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR are limited to no more than 60 Chinook for the period of May 1-8, and 60 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) from May 9 through June 29. All salmon must be delivered during the landing week in which they were caught, or they will also apply against any landing week limit in which they are possessed.
- Vessels landing salmon into Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing, location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
4/10/2024 OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for 2024 ocean salmon seasons on Wednesday, April 10. The adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website (www.pcouncil.org) in Preseason Report III, and graphics of the Oregon recreational and commercial troll seasons are available at www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/
Seasons from May 16, 2024 forward are not official until final approval by the Secretary of Commerce and adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
Conservation concerns for both Sacramento and Klamath River fall Chinook salmon stocks were constraints on seasons from Cape Falcon through California. This year’s Columbia basin hatchery coho salmon abundance is forecast to be less than half of the preseason forecast abundance in 2023, but the natural production forecasts for both lower Columbia River and Oregon Coastal stocks are strong with coho quotas and seasons reflecting the available abundances. Coho fisheries were most constrained by sharing of the Lower Columbia River Natural (LCN) coho and the Southern Oregon Northern California Coastal Coho (SONCC).
Recreational Season Summary:
The all-salmon season North of Cape Falcon will open on June 22 and continue through the earlier of September 30 or the hatchery mark-selective coho quota of 39,900. There is also a guideline in this area for 12,510 Chinook. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for Chinook is 22” and the coho minimum length is 16”.
Recreational Chinook seasons on the central Oregon Coast from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opened on March 15 and will continue through October 31. During October the fishery is only open shoreward of the 40-fathom management line. The Chinook minimum length from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is 24”.
The area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will open for recreational Chinook on May 16 and continue through August 31. The Chinook minimum length from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is 24”.
The hatchery mark-selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will be open from June 15 through the earlier of August 18 or the Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border quota of 45,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. There will also be a non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. which will be open September 1 through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 25,000 non-mark selective coho (clipped or unclipped coho allowed). The coho minimum length from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is 16”.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border, the hatchery mark-selective coho salmon season will be open from June 15 through the earlier of August 4 or the Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border quota of 45,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. The shortened coho season in this area was a result of the conservation limitations for the Southern Oregon Northern California Coastal (SONCC) coho stock. The coho minimum length from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is 16”.
All recreational anglers are limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hook per line when fishing for salmon, and for any species when salmon are on board the vessel.
Commercial Troll Season Summary:
The commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon will have limited Chinook quotas again this year. The fishery will be managed by quotas, season length, and vessel landing week (Thurs.-Wed.) limits. The early all salmon except coho season opens May 1 and will continue through the earlier of June 29 or the overall quota of 24,600 Chinook salmon, or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 5,710 Chinook. The early season will have a 60 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit.
The summer all-salmon fishery north of Cape Falcon will open on July 1 and continue through the earlier of the overall Chinook quota of 16,400 Chinook or quota of 15,200 adipose fin-clipped coho. The season will open for the period of July 1-10 with open period landing and possession limits of 70 Chinook and 100 adipose fin-clipped coho. Beginning July 11, the fishery will transition to landing and possession limits of 120 Chinook and 100 adipose fin-clipped coho per vessel per week (Thurs-Wed).
Minimum lengths for the commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon are 27” for Chinook and 16” for coho. Vessels with catch from this area must land in the area (and within the Columbia River West of Tongue Pt.) or into Garibaldi. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all troll salmon seasons in this area. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report may alternately be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Oregon permitted vessels may only fish south of Leadbetter Pt., Washington and outside of 3 nautical miles of shore between the Columbia River and Leadbetter Pt., Washington.
NOTE: Any boats fishing in the area North of Cape Falcon and retaining Chinook that are greater than 27” but less than 28” must land all salmon into ports N. of Cape Falcon, except that boats may land Chinook that are less than 28” but greater than 27” into Garibaldi if the season S. of Cape Falcon has been closed more than 48 hours. The dates when the area S. of Cape Falcon will be closed to salmon fishing for more than 48 hours include: June 8-11, June 19-25, July 3-25, August 2-3, and August 11-31.
In the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the all-salmon-except coho seasons will be open for the following periods: April 16-May 29; June 1-5, 12-16, & 26-30; July 26-30; Aug. 4-8; and Oct. 1-31.
There will be an all-salmon season from Sept. 1 through the earlier of Sept. 30 or the coho quota of 2,500 coho. Vessels in September and October are limited to no more than 75 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs.-Wed.). In September the coho landing and possession limit is 25 coho per landing week. If the coho quota is met prior to September 30, then the season will continue for all salmon except coho. Minimum lengths from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border are 28” for Chinook, and 16” for coho.
Vessels landing any coho in this fishery are required to report their landing within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing by phone call to (541) 857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report may alternately be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border, the all-salmon-except coho season will only be open April 16-30. Vessels may land catch taken in openings from the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. into Gold Beach or Brookings at any time during the general seasons. All salmon caught off Oregon from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border must be landed and delivered in the State of Oregon.
Other Information:
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Single point barbless hooks are required in all ocean salmon seasons. Commercial salmon trollers are reminded that they are restricted to no more than 4 spreads per wire for all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border.
March 10, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California, and advisory body members met today in Fresno, CA and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the areas from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will NOT OPEN and will REMAIN CLOSED through at least April 15, 2024.
RATIONALE: The closures in the early commercial troll fisheries off Oregon were due to forecast impacts to Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon that were higher than initially anticipated. Those high impacts were of concern for the ability to develop any seasons for the remainder of 2024.
Seasons from May 16, 2024 through early May 15, 2025 are currently being developed. Any season adjustments prior to May 16 will be addressed through further inseason action. Season alternatives for the remainder of 2024 will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Seattle from April 5-11, 2024. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
March 10, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE:
ACTION TAKEN (no action): The planned ocean Chinook salmon season (all-salmon-except coho) will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. from March 15 through May 15. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with minimum size limits of 24” for Chinook and 20” for steelhead.
RATIONALE: The recreational ocean salmon fishery off Oregon in March, April, and early May typically has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2024 fishing year. Seasons from May 16, 2024 through May 15, 2025 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Seattle from April 5-11, 2024. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
Visit www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ for more information on Oregon's ocean salmon seasons and fisheries.
2024 OCEAN SALMON PRE-SEASON PLANNING MEETING NOTICE: The meeting will be held in the OSU Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building on the Hatfield Marine Science Center's campus in Newport, Oregon.
The 2024 Ocean Salmon Industry Group Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024. This meeting will provide a review of the 2023 seasons, take a first look at the 2024 salmon forecasts, and begin the development of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The meeting will be held both in person and virtually this year (see details below).
This meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2024 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. The meeting is planned to start at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 28. It is recommended that participants attending on-line, test their system prior to the meeting to iron out any technical problems they may have.
There is also an option available to call in by phone. There will be a lunch break between approximately 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM that will also provide participants time to formulate concepts for proposals.
Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted below as they come available in January and February.
Please visit the PFMC’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ for details on their March and April meetings.
For those attending in person, the meeting will be held in the auditorium of the OSU Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building on the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. No food or drink is allowed in the auditorium, so please plan accordingly.
Topic: 2024 Ocean Salmon Industry Group Meeting
Time: Feb 28, 2024; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting Materials: (will be posted here as they come available):
RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE, September 19, 2023: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The remaining impact neutral rollover of coho remaining from the hatchery selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net transfer of 2,000 coho and a revised quota of 42,500 coho for the September season.
- The ocean recreational salmon season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. reopens to the retention of coho salmon effective Thursday, September 21 at 12:01 AM through the earlier of September 30 or the revised quota of 42,500 coho.
RATIONALE:
A provision included in the 2023 ocean adopted regulations for ocean salmon fisheries between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. allows for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective coho season on an impact neutral basis. This year there are both commercial troll and recreational non-mark selective coho seasons within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The regulations this year stipulated that the transfer could be made to the recreational and/or the commercial troll seasons with a priority to the recreational season.
This approved transfer utilizes the remaining coho available for transfer, and all rollover has been transferred to the recreational fishery. The commercial troll fishery is not approaching their quota of 10,000 coho, with catches from September 1-18 totaling 2,350 coho. The most constraining stock in the transfer to the recreational fishery this season is the Oregon Coast Natural Coho, and the preseason impact rates on OCN coho are not exceeded by this transfer.
The recreational fishery has taken 28,885 coho through September 17, with 8,014 landed in the week of September 11-17. Forecasting the coho harvest for the remainder of the month starting on September 21 indicates that there is minimal risk to attain the remaining quota. Managers will monitor the fishery for the remainder of September and will take additional inseason action if needed.
RECREATIONAL and COMMERCIAL TROLL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met Friday, September 15, 2023 in Bend, Oregon and took action to adopt regulations for ocean terminal area fall Chinook seasons for both the recreational and commercial troll salmon fisheries in the ocean waters immediately adjacent to the Elk River. These seasons will be open from November 1-30 within the established boundaries of the Elk River Fall Chinook Terminal Area.
Recreational Season Regulations:
- Open November 1-30 within the Elk River Fall Chinook Terminal Area: defined as shoreward of a line drawn from Cape Blanco (42°50‘20" N Lat.) to Black Rock (42°49‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘00" W. Long.) to Best Rock (42°47‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘42" W. Long.) to 42°40’30”N / 124°29’00” W to Humbug Mt.
- Daily bag limit of 1 Chinook per angler with a minimum length of 24"
- Terminal tackle limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hooks
- Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve is closed to all fishing
Commercial Troll Season Regulations:
- Open November 1-30 within the Elk River Fall Chinook Terminal Area: defined as shoreward of a line drawn from Cape Blanco (42°50‘20" N Lat.) to Black Rock (42°49‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘00" W. Long.) to Best Rock (42°47‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘42" W. Long.) to 42°40’30”N / 124°29’00” W to Humbug Mt.
- Single daily landing and possession limit of 10 Chinook per vessel with a minimum length of 26"
- Terminal tackle limited to single point barbless hooks
- No more than 4 spreads per wire
- Landings restricted to Port Orford
- Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve is closed to all fishing
RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE, September 13, 2023: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- An impact neutral rollover of a portion of the coho remaining from the hatchery selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net transfer of 15,500 coho and a revised quota of 40,500 coho for the season scheduled for September 1 through the earlier of the quota or September 30.
- The ocean recreational salmon season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. closes to the retention of coho salmon effective Sunday, September 17 at 11:59 PM. The season remains open for Chinook salmon with a daily bag limit of one salmon (24” minimum length).
RATIONALE:
A provision included in the 2023 ocean adopted regulations for ocean salmon fisheries between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. allows for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective coho season on an impact neutral basis. This year there are both commercial troll and recreational non-mark selective coho seasons within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The regulations this year stipulated that the transfer could be made to the recreational and/or the commercial troll seasons with a priority to the recreational season.
The approved transfer prioritizes the recreational fishery, and any remaining impacts will be held in reserve and may be transferred later in the month if fishery managers see a need to move more fish to either the recreational fishery or the commercial troll fishery. Currently, the commercial troll fishery is not approaching their quota of 10,000 coho, with catches from September 1-12 totaling 1,948 coho. However, through Sunday, September 10 the recreational fishery has already harvested 21,402 coho out of their quota of 25,000 and a need exists to access some of the remaining available impacts. The most constraining stock in the transfer to the recreational fishery this season is the Oregon Coast Natural Coho, and the preseason impact rates on OCN coho are not exceeded by this transfer.
Forecasting the coho harvest for the week starting on September 11 indicates that there is a reasonable likelihood that the revised quota may be met by the end of the week. Managers agreed that the best approach is to close the fishery to retention of coho at the end of Sunday, and then evaluate the status of the catches again early next week to determine if any more days can be added back to the fishery in September.
A conference call is being planned for late afternoon on Tuesday, September 19 to evaluate the status of the quota and potential for reopening additional days in September.
September 6, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, September 7 through Saturday, September 30, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook salmon and 100 coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Current forecast of total landings indicates that 970 Chinook and 5,656 coho remain on their respective quotas. By allowing a modest increase in the weekly Chinook limit, it will allow the fishery to continue to progress towards the scheduled ending date without a likely need for an early closure. This inseason adjustment is consistent with the preseason planning and management goals.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 25, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
1. Effective 12:01 AM Saturday August 26, 2023, the coho quota for the commercial salmon troll fishery North of Cape Falcon is adjusted on an impact neutral basis, from mark-selective to non-mark-selective, and the adjusted non-mark-selective quota is adjusted downward by 10% as a precautionary measure. The adjusted non-mark-selective coho quota is 9,070.
2. Effective 12:01 AM Saturday August 26, 2023, the landing and possession limit for coho is modified to 100 coho (marked or unmarked) per vessel per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday). Weekly landing and possession limit for Chinook remains 7 Chinook per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE: Harvest of hatchery coho through August 25 is estimated at 3,590 coho out of the 30,400 mark selective coho quota leaving a remainder of 26,810 hatchery coho. Trollers have been reporting few hatchery coho being contacted, and high releases of non-marked coho. By making this inseason adjustment which is consistent with the preseason planning and management intensions, the fishery can minimize hook and release impacts on non-clipped coho.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 25, 2023 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the recreational ocean salmon season from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, August 26, 2023, the coho quota for the recreational salmon fishery in the Columbia River subarea (Cape Falcon to Leadbetter Point) is adjusted on an impact neutral basis, from mark-selective to non-mark-selective, and the adjusted non-mark-selective quota is additionally adjusted downward by 10% as a precautionary measure. The non-mark-selective coho quota is 21,740.
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, August 26, 2023, the daily limit is modified to 2 salmon per day, only one of which may be a Chinook.
RATIONALE: Harvest of hatchery coho through August 25 is estimated at 15,545 coho out of the 79,800 mark selective coho quota leaving a remainder of 64,255 hatchery coho. Mark rates in the fishery have been lower than projected in the preseason process. By making this inseason adjustment, which is consistent with the preseason planning and management intensions, the fishery can minimize hook and release impacts on non-clipped coho, and should still be able to remain open through most of September.
August 15, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, August 17 through Saturday, September 30, the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is open, with landing and possession limits of 7 Chinook salmon and 100 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
RATIONALE:
Harvest of Chinook to date has surpassed 90% of the 13,000 Chinook quota leaving only 1,251 fish remaining to be harvested. The summer period also has a quota of 30,400 marked coho with an estimated harvest of only 2,772 coho to date leaving 90% of this quota remaining for harvest. This action will refocus the fishery to target hatchery coho while allowing minimal Chinook to be retained. Fishery managers will be reviewing landings and will take additional action as needed in future weeks.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 28, 2023 – INFORMATIONAL UPDATE: The ratio of marked hatchery coho to unmarked coho has been lower than forecast so far this season along much of the Oregon Coast. This can be a result of either a lower than forecast hatchery coho abundance, stronger than forecast runs of naturally produced coho, or a shift in distribution of stocks of salmon along the coast. We recognize that anglers want to be responsible stewards for the resource and reduce any handling mortality on fish that are released. The following are some recommended best practices for reducing the handling mortality for catching and releasing ocean salmon:
Hooks:
- Single point barbless hooks are legally required, provide for a better hook-up ratio, and make releasing fish easier.
- Using only one hook per lure or bait reduces handling time and simplifies releasing a fish. Two hook riggings often result in more than one injury to a fish, complicate unhooking the fish, and are more likely to get tangled in a landing net.
- Hook size: Some prior hooking mortality studies indicate that hook sizes in the smaller sizes of the 3/0-1/0 range may have a lower hooking mortality impact than larger sizes such as 5/0 and 6/0.
- If trolling a whole or plug cut bait use one of the various hooking options that allow for a single hook to be used (cable baiter, crowbar, needle bait threader, etc.).
Handling:
- For any salmon that are anticipated to be released, avoid using a landing net.
- If you have a high sided boat that requires you to net every fish, consider investing in a landing net that uses less abrasive netting (rubber, soft nylon, etc.).
- Have a de-hooking device ready when bringing the fish to the boat.
- Gaff hooks work well for jaw hooked fish. Slide the gaff around the leader and then down the leader to the bend of the hook, at the same time holding the leader in your other hand, then push down on the leader while pulling up on the gaff handle to release the fish.
- Fish hooked deeper inside the mouth/gullet/gills will likely require the use of pliers, hemostats, or another style of de-hooking device.
- Use of a heavy leader will better facilitate controlling the fish by hand as you prepare to release it.
Fishing Methods:
- Bait has a higher likelihood of being taken deep and resulting in a deep hook-up and higher mortality rate than with most lures. Consider shifting to a lure like a spoon if you are encountering many salmon that need to be released.
- If mooching/drifting and using whole or plug cut bait for salmon, a circle hook will result in fewer gullet and gill hooked salmon.
July 19, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, July 20 through Wednesday July 26, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 30 Chinook and 150 adipose fin-marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
- Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, July 27 through Wednesday August 2, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook and 150 adipose fin-marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
- Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, August 3, the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is closed to all commercial salmon trolling until further notice.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through July to date has been trending higher than anticipated. Projected landings through July 26 are estimated at 8,502 Chinook out of the 13,000 Chinook quota leaving 4,498 Chinook remaining to be harvested. The summer period also has a quota of 30,400 marked coho with an estimated harvest of only 1,380 through July 19. By stepping down the weekly Chinook limits over the next two weeks and then closing to evaluate the status, fishery managers should be able to scale any later openings to target hatchery coho and wrap up any Chinook remaining on the quota. Fishery managers will be reviewing landings and will take additional action as needed in future weeks.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 11, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, July 13, through the earlier of September 30, 2023 or further inseason action: In the commercial salmon troll fishery in the Area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon: landing and possession limits of 35 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through July to date has been trending higher than anticipated. Projected landings through July 12 are estimated at 5,762 Chinook out of the 13,000 Chinook quota leaving 7,238 Chinook remaining to be harvested. The summer period also has a quota of 30,400 marked coho. By reducing the weekly limit of 50 Chinook down to 35 Chinook this should allow the “summer troll season” to remain open for a longer time period and and provide fresh salmon to the marketplace for much of the summer. Fishery managers will be reviewing landings and will take additional action as needed in future weeks.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 23, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, June 24, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the Area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 11 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 24-29.
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, July 1, through the earlier of September 30, 2023 or further inseason action, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the Area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon: landing and possession limits of 50 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through June 21 is estimated at 25,148 Chinook out of the 26,000 Chinook quota leaving only 852 Chinook remaining on the quota. With approximately 70 boats anticipated to participate in the final open period, it was projected that an 11 Chinook per vessel limit for the final open period could function with little risk of exceeding the May-June quota.
The summer period has a total quota of 13,000 Chinook and 30,400 marked coho. The established weekly limits of 50 Chinook and 150 marked coho should allow the “summer troll season” to progress at a reasonable pace and provide fresh salmon to the marketplace for much of the summer.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 21, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 11:59 PM June 21, 2023, the salmon troll fishery in the area North of Cape Falcon is closed through June 30, 2023. As specified in the federal rule, vessels must land and deliver their salmon within 24 hours of any closure of this fishery. Vessels must land and deliver all salmon from this fishery no later than 11:59 PM Thursday, June 22, 2023. Additional openings in June may be considered if sufficient May-June quota remains. Any remaining quota will be considered for an impact neutral rollover to the next troll fishery North of Cape Falcon which will begin on July 1.
RATIONALE: Harvest through June 21 is anticipated to be approaching the 26,000 Chinook quota with a projected catch of 24,035 Chinook leaving 1,965 Chinook remaining on the quota. There is a need to verify total landing before considering options to reopen. Another conference call is scheduled for 1:30 PM on Friday, June 23 to consider any possible reopening for the remainder of June.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 7, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area from the US/Canada Border and the Queets River (LaPush and Neah Bay subareas) from 35 to 40 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from June 8-21, and from 35 to 40 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 22-29.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the Westport area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point from 200 to 250 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from June 8-21, and from 200 to 250 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 22-29 (Note that this is also the weekly maximum for all open areas combined).
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon from 80 to 100 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from June 8-21, and from 80 to 100 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 22-29.
RATIONALE:
Harvest through June 7 is projected to total 11,553 Chinook out of the 26,000 Chinook quota, with 424 coming in the Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon area, and 5,497 coming from the areas N. of the Queets River. Landing week limitations were relaxed to provide the fishery better opportunity to harvest the remaining quota and subarea caps. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
May 24, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point from 150 to 200 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from May 25 to June 21, and for the period of June 22-29 (Note that this is also the weekly maximum for all open areas combined).
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon from 60 to 80 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from May 25 to June 21, and for the period of June 22-29 .
RATIONALE: Through May 24, total harvest on the May-June quota is projected to total 7,326 Chinook out of the 26,000 Chinook quota, with 323 coming in the Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon area. Due to lower than anticipated harvest rates in the areas south of the Queets River, landing week limitations were relaxed to provide the fishery better opportunity to harvest the quota while still keeping the fishery open for more days through the May-June early season. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
Visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ for more information on Oregon's ocean salmon seasons and fisheries.
April 18, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Modified the quota for the May-June North of Falcon commercial ocean salmon troll fishery that opens May 1, 2023 to 26,000 Chinook, no more than 6,890 of which may be caught in the area between the U.S./Canada border and the Queets River, and no more than 6,040 of which may be caught in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between the U.S./Canada border and the Queets River to 105 Chinook per vessel for the period May 1 through May 10, and 70 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) beginning May 11.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point to 200 Chinook per vessel for the period May 1 through May 10, and 150 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) beginning May 11.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon to 90 Chinook per vessel for the period May 1 through May 10, and 60 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) beginning May 11.
- Vessels may not land fish east of the Sekiu River or east of Tongue Point, Oregon.
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from 2022 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2023 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2023 through May 15, 2024. In addition, because May 1 is on a Monday and would have resulted in a three day week, those three days were added to the full week starting on May 4 and increased landing limits for the 10 day period was adopted to account for the extra days within the initial period. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31.
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
4/6/2023 OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for 2023 ocean salmon seasons on Thursday, April 6. Copies of the adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website soon (www.pcouncil.org) in Preseason Report III. Graphics of the recreational and commercial troll seasons have already been made available on www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/. Seasons from May 16 on are not official until final approval by the Secretary of Commerce, and after adoption by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook salmon stocks are severely constraining all seasons from Cape Falcon through California. The primary drivers affecting these populations of Chinook salmon are the direct result of the severe drought in California. To address the critically low abundances of these two stocks, the Council has recommended a complete shutdown of all salmon seasons in California, and all Chinook salmon seasons in Oregon south of Cape Falcon prior to September 1. By September 1 most of these stocks have left the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. and Oregon’s coastal fall Chinook have begun staging near the coast where they will comprise majority of the catch.
This year’s forecast for Columbia Basin hatchery coho salmon represents the third consecutive year of strong abundance in as many years, and recreational coho quotas and seasons reflect this trend. North of Cape Falcon, Chinook quotas were most restricted by tule fall Chinook from the Columbia River, while the most constraining coho were various stocks in Puget Sound. The limiting coho stock for fisheries south of Cape Falcon is the Oregon Coastal Natural coho again this year, and for Chinook it is both Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook.
Recreational Season Summary:
Ocean waters off the Columbia River from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will be open for an all-salmon season North of Cape Falcon beginning June 24 and continue through the earlier of September 30, or quota with a hatchery mark selective coho quota of 79,800. There is also a Chinook guideline in this area of 11,490. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for Chinook is 22” and the coho minimum length is 16”.
The recreational hatchery mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border will open on June 17 and continue through the earlier of August 31 or the quota of 110,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. Chinook retention is prohibited through the end of August.
There will be a non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opening on September 1, and will be open seven days per week through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 25,000 non-mark selective coho. The daily bag limit is two fish, only one of which may be a Chinook. The open days in September may be adjusted in season. Coho minimum length of 16” and Chinook minimum length of 24”.
Retention of one Chinook salmon per day will be allowed beginning September 1 and continue through October 31 in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The season will only be open inside of the 40-fathom management line from October 1-31. Chinook minimum length of 24”.
All recreational anglers are limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hook per line when fishing for salmon, and for any species if salmon are on board the vessel.
Commercial Troll Season Summary:
The commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon will have limited Chinook quotas again this year. The fishery will be managed by quotas, season length, and vessel landing week (Thurs.-Weds.) limits. The early all salmon except coho season opens May 1 and will continue through the earlier of June 29 or the overall quota of 26,000 Chinook salmon, or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 6,040 Chinook. The early season will have a 60 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit. Chinook minimum length of 27”.
The summer all salmon fishery north of Cape Falcon will open on July 1 and continue through the earlier of the overall Chinook quota of 13,000 Chinook or quota of 30,400 fin-clipped coho. Landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 150 adipose fin-clipped coho per vessel. Minimum lengths are 27” for Chinook, and 16” for coho.
Vessels must land in this area or into Garibaldi. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all troll salmon seasons in this area. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report can also be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Oregon licensed vessels may only fish south of Leadbetter Pt., Washington.
NOTE: Any boats fishing in the area north of Cape Falcon and retaining Chinook that are greater than 27” but less than 28” must land all salmon into ports north of Cape Falcon. Boats may only land Chinook in this size range into Garibaldi if the season south of Cape Falcon has been closed more than 48 hours.
In the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. seasons will not open until September 1. Beginning September 1 and continuing through October 31, this area will be open for Chinook salmon with a landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 75 Chinook per vessel. For the period of October 1-31, the open area will be limited to shoreward of the 40-fathom management line. This area will also be open for non-mark selective coho from September 1 through the earlier of September 30, or a non-mark selective quota of 10,000 coho with a landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 75 coho per vessel. Minimum lengths are 28” for Chinook, and 16” for coho.
Other Information:
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Single point barbless hooks are required in all ocean salmon seasons. Commercial salmon trollers are reminded that they are restricted to no more than 4 spreads per wire for all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border.
March 9, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March 15 commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial ocean troll salmon fishery seasons scheduled to be open between March 15 and May 15 in ALL areas from Cape Falcon to the Oregon California Border are canceled for 2023.
RATIONALE: Multiple stocks of California Chinook Salmon are at extremely low abundance and are projected to potentially fall below target spawning escapements. Guidance from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for 2023 ocean salmon seasons for Sacramento River fall Chinook was that “extraordinary measures are needed in 2023 to address these circumstances and to ensure that fishery management is not a contributing factor.” For Klamath River fall Chinook the NMFS guidance is “that a precautionary approach is warranted and underscores the need to carefully consider the factors described in the FMP in setting the ER (exploitation rate). Given the extremely low abundance forecast and resulting low level of allowable fishing mortality, NMFS anticipates harvest opportunity will be substantially constrained in the region between Cape Falcon, Oregon, and Point Sur, California.” Oregon fisheries typically intercept these stocks throughout the entire area to the South of Cape Falcon, and these stocks are very important contributors to Oregon’s spring and summer fisheries.
Seasons from May 16, 2023 through early May 15, 2024 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed, and a final season recommendation will be made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
March 9, 2023 RECREATIONAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March 15 recreational Chinook salmon openings off Oregon between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt.:
ACTION TAKEN:
The recreational ocean salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 and continue through May 15 in ocean waters between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. off Oregon is canceled for 2023.
RATIONALE: Multiple stocks of California Chinook Salmon are at extremely low abundance and are projected to potentially fall below target spawning escapements. Guidance from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for 2023 ocean salmon seasons for Sacramento River fall Chinook was that. Guidance from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for 2023 ocean salmon seasons that include contacts with Sacramento River fall Chinook was that “extraordinary measures are needed in 2023 to address these circumstances and to ensure that fishery management is not a contributing factor.” For Klamath River fall Chinook the NMFS guidance is “that a precautionary approach is warranted and underscores the need to carefully consider the factors described in the FMP in setting the ER (exploitation rate). Given the extremely low abundance forecast and resulting low level of allowable fishing mortality, NMFS anticipates harvest opportunity will be substantially constrained in the region between Cape Falcon, Oregon, and Point Sur, California.” Oregon fisheries typically intercept these stocks throughout the entire area to the South of Cape Falcon, and these stocks are very important contributors to Oregon’s spring and summer fisheries.
Seasons from May 16, 2023 through early May 15, 2024 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed, and a final season recommendation will be made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
September 13, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022 in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) landing and possession limits are adjusted as follows:
- The coho salmon limit is modified from 150 non-mark selective coho to 225 non-mark selective coho per vessel per landing week
- The Chinook salmon limit is modified from 10 Chinook to 15 Chinook per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE:
There are two full remaining landing weeks in the season. Chinook catches are currently projected at 8,691 out of the quota of 9,000 leaving 309 remaining, and Chinook catch rates have fallen dramatically for participating vessels. There are projected to be another 7,916 coho remaining on the quota. By increasing the weekly landing and possession limits slightly, it is hoped that the fleet can utilize the majority of what remains of their allocation.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the North of Cape Falcon minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: September 17-30.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
September 13, 2022 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the Ste of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational salmon seasons North of Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
An impact neutral transfer of 600 Chinook salmon was made from the Neah Bay Ocean Salmon Management Area guideline to the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area guideline. This resulted in 390 Chinook being added to the guideline in the Columbia River area, and revised guidelines of 5,510 Chinook in the Neah Bay Area and 8,090 Chinook in the Columbia River Ocean Area, and a revised overall recreational Chinook quota of 26,790 for the combined areas North of Cape Falcon
RATIONALE:
The Columbia River Ocean Salmon area closed to Chinook retention on August 23, but had already exceeded their Chinook guideline, and additional Chinook impacts were needed to continue the mark selective coho season. In order to stay impact neutral on tule fall Chinook, the conversion resulted in only 65 out of each 100 Chinook being transferred to be added to the Columbia River quota. The transfer is not anticipated to have any effect on the remaining season in the Neah Bay Area.
August 30, 2022 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTION TAKEN:
An impact neutral rollover of the 57,186 coho remaining from the hatchery selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net increase of 9,800 coho in the non-mark selective coho quota and a revised quota of 26,800 coho for the season scheduled for September 3 through the earlier of the quota or September 30.
RATIONALE:
In most years, a provision is included in the adopted regulations to allow for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective coho season on an impact neutral basis. Assessment by the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Salmon Technical Team resulted in an allowable impact neutral allowable transfer of 9,800 coho to the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. coho season which opens on September 3. The most constraining stock in the transfer this season was the Oregon Coast Natural Coho which was projected to have a 14.95% overall exploitation rate in 2022. That rate is not exceeded by this transfer.
August 25, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) coho landing and possession limit is modified from 150 mark selective coho to 150 non-mark selective coho per vessel per landing week effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2022. The Chinook salmon landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 10 Chinook per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery was allocated a mark selective coho quota of 32,000 coho. It is estimated that at the end of the landing week on Wednesday, August 24 a total of 5,205 coho were landed leaving 26,795 mark selective coho remaining on the quota. An impact neutral conversion from the mark selective coho quota to a non-mark selective coho quota results in a current remaining quota of 9,700 coho.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the North of Cape Falcon minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 22, 2022 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational salmon season from the Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the ocean waters from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon, retention of Chinook salmon is prohibited beginning 12:01 AM Tuesday, August 23, 2022. This area remains open for the retention of adipose fin-clipped coho salmon through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 84,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. The area from Leadbetter Point South to 46o 15’ N lat. and East of 124o 08’ 40” W. long. will reopen to salmon fishing for coho at the same time.
RATIONALE:
The season guideline for Chinook salmon is for 7,700 total fish in this area. Preliminary catch estimates through Sunday, August 21 indicate that approximately 1,464 Chinook salmon remain on the Chinook guideline. The estimated catch for Monday, August 22 is 375 Chinook leaving 1,089 Chinook on the guideline. There are also approximately 44,000 coho salmon remaining on the coho quota. In order to stay open for coho salmon, there must be enough Chinook remaining to account for incidental hook and release mortality on Chinook, and that is calculated as 423 Chinook. If there are not enough Chinook for the hooking mortality, then the season would have to close to all salmon fishing. By closing to Chinook retention at this time, there is enough of the guideline remaining to allow the coho season to continue.
August 17, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is reduced to 10 Chinook per vessel per week effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. By the end of the landing week that ended on Wednesday, August 10 a total of 7,758 Chinook had been landed during the summer season and an additional XXX are projected to be landed during the week ending today. That leaves only 400 Chinook remaining on the quota. This adjustment was recommended to allow the troll fleet to continue to progress on their hatchery coho quota and utilize the remaining Chinook quota primarily as incidental take.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 10, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is reduced to 30 Chinook per week effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. It is projected that by the end of the landing week that ends on Wednesday, August 10 a total of 7,614 Chinook will have been landed during the summer season leaving 1,386 Chinook remaining on the quota. The adjustment was recommended to allow an orderly progression towards the Chinook quota and allow for more hatchery coho to be harvested before having to close the season.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 4, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is increased to 40 Chinook per week effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. It is projected that by the end of the landing week that ended last night a total of 6,864 Chinook were landed during the summer season leaving 2,136 Chinook remaining on the quota. Commercial fishery participants requested the increase in the weekly limit to be able to access their remaining Chinook quota before the fish move out of the area.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet that criteria: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 4, 2022 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon (1 of 2): NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the Salmon Technical Team of the PFMC, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon/California Border:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border for the season from August 1-28 has been modified as follows: The quota for August is increased from 250 to 658 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of Chinook remaining from the June and July quotas.
RATIONALE:
The Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota was increased by 408 Chinook on an impact neutral basis after rolling the 627 Chinook remaining from the adjusted July quota of 687 Chinook to August. No other changes to the season structure are necessary at this time. Therefore, the season will continue with a landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit of 50 Chinook per vessel per week.
Participants in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)857-2538 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
July 19, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is reduced to 30 Chinook per week effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. It is projected that by the end of this landing week a total of 5,456 Chinook will have been landed leaving 3,544 Chinook remaining on the quota. Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet that criteria: July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: July 24, August 3, August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 13, 2022 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
Recreational ocean salmon angling will close to all salmon angling effective 12:01 AM Saturday, July 16 in the following area: Shoreward of 124D 08' 40"W long. and North of 46D 15' N lat. This closure is north of the Columbia River mouth and falls within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon).
RATIONALE: Chinook catch in the area had already reached 29.4% of the 7,700 Chinook guideline as of Sunday, July 10 (corrected after initial notice) while only 8% of the coho quota has been harvested through the same time period. In order to keep the fishery open to both retention of Chinook salmon (1 per angler) and hatchery coho, the fishery is being closed in this area where Chinook salmon are known to congregate.
July 8, 2022 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the Salmon Technical Team of the PFMC, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon/California Border:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border which reopened to fishing on July 1 has been modified as follows: The quota for July is increased from 400 to 687 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of Chinook remaining from the June quota.
RATIONALE:
The Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota was increased by 287 Chinook on an impact neutral basis after rolling the 410 Chinook remaining from the June quota of 800 Chinook to July. No other changes to the season structure are necessary at this time. Therefore, the season will continue with a landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit of 50 Chinook per vessel per week.
Participating vessels in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)857-2538 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
June 28, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
The season from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will open on July 1 with Chinook and marked coho weekly (Thursday-Wednesday) limits as follows:
- July 1-6: No more than 50 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel for the open period.
- Beginning July 7: No more than 40 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. The spring quota was 18,000 Chinook and was almost entirely met. By starting with a reduced weekly landing and possession limit per vessel, it is hoped to be able to access a good portion of the marked coho quota of 32,000 fish. Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet that criteria: July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 28, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to incidental Pacific halibut retention in the commercial troll salmon season:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Retention of Pacific halibut incidental to the commercial troll salmon season will continue past June 30 under the current regulations. All participants retaining Pacific halibut must have applied for and received an incidental troll salmon halibut permit from the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Currently vessels are limited to 1 Pacific halibut for every 2 Chinook salmon plus 1 Pacific halibut in possession, up to a maximum of 35 Pacific halibut per trip. All Chinook salmon must be landed with the Pacific halibut.
RATIONALE:
As of this date, the take of Pacific halibut incidental to the troll salmon fishery totals 12,114 lbs. out of the quota of 50,681 lbs. This consultation with NMFS is required annually prior to continuing the fishery after June 30.
June 22, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS will reopen the commercial salmon troll fishery across the entire north of Cape Falcon area, regardless of subarea, for the period of June 23 through June 29 with an open period limit of 13 Chinook per vessel. By rule, all catch from this season must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM on June 30.
RATIONALE:
The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon are estimated to be 17,468 Chinook out of the spring quota of 18,000 Chinook leaving a remainder of 532 Chinook on the quota. Landings for the most recent week (June 9-15) are estimated at 1,001 Chinook under a 25 Chinook per vessel limit. By reducing the weekly limit to 13 Chinook it should allow the fishery to approach the quota without exceeding it. Additional information for Oregon vessels participating in this fishery:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. There are no dates for this last opening that meet that criteria.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 9, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS has modified the Chinook salmon landing and possession limit for the commercial salmon troll fishery across the entire north of Cape Falcon area, regardless of subarea, to 25 Chinook per vessel per week (Thursday-Wednesday) starting 12:01 AM Friday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 15, 2022. The spring season would close effective at 11:59 PM on June 15 and remain closed through June 30. By rule, all catch from this season must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM on June 16.
RATIONALE:
The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon are estimated to be 16,457 Chinook out of the spring quota of 18,000 Chinook leaving a remainder of 1,543 Chinook on the quota. Landings for the most recent week (June 2-8) are estimated at 1,517 Chinook under a 40 Chinook per vessel limit. By bumping the weekly limit up from 20 to 25 Chinook it should allow the fishery to approach the quota without exceeding it. Any remaining quota from the spring season will be rolled to the summer season on an impact neutral basis. Additional information for Oregon vessels participating in this fishery:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. Those dates for this last opening would be June 15-16.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
May 25, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS has modified the Chinook salmon landing and possession limit for the commercial salmon troll fishery across the entire north of Cape Falcon area, regardless of subarea, to: 40 Chinook per vessel per week (Thursday-Wednesday) starting 12:01 AM May 26 through June 8, 2022; and 20 Chinook per vessel per week (Thursday-Wednesday) starting 12:01 AM June 9 through June 29, 2022.
RATIONALE: The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon are estimated to be at 13,500 out of the spring quota of 18,000 leaving a remainder of 4,500 Chinook on the quota. Landings for the current week are estimated at 5,250 Chinook at the end of the day. The approved stepdown approach may allow the fishery to continue through the month of May, but additional actions may be necessary to avoid exceeding the spring quota. :
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2022 May through September seasons are anticipated to be June 15-17, July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30).
- All salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
April 22, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery for all salmon except coho from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be open for the period of May 1-15. This season will follow the rules and specifications adopted by the PFMC on April 12 for the 2022 seasons. This season will continue through the earlier of June 29; the May-June overall quota of 18,000 Chinook salmon; or the Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR May-June subarea quota of 4,840 Chinook salmon (see additional regulations below).
- The minimum length for Chinook salmon beginning with the May 1, 2022 season opening from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be 27” total length (this length will apply in all open seasons in this area through May 15, 2022 unless modified by in-season action).
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from 2021 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2022 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2022 through May 15, 2023. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2022 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2022 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 18-20, June 15-17, July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30).
- Vessels fishing in the area between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR are limited to no more than 80 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) from May 1 through June 29, and all salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
April 12, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California and fishery advisors met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll Chinook salmon fishery off Oregon prior to May 16:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N), which is currently open, will continue through May 15, 2022. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-June 12 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N) to Humbug Mt. (currently closed) will open for the period of May 1-15. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-31 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will close effective 11:59PM on April 30. This area is anticipated to reopen on June 1 with a June quota of 800 Chinook and weekly (Thurs-Wed) limits of 50 Chinook per vessel under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply including mandatory reporting at the end of each trip during all openings in June, July, and August.
RATIONALE: These changes, along with the adopted seasons and regulations for the remainder of 2022, were preferred by industry representatives to assist in severe challenges in managing the impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook and lower Columbia River Natural fall Chinook. These changes will provide the mix of commercial troll opportunity for the 2022 season that are anticipated to provide the best mix of time on the water and harvest rates.
Seasons for the salmon fishery management year from May 16, 2022 through May 15, 2023 have been adopted by the PFMC and now await final approval by the US Dept. of Commerce. Links to the PFMC adopted seasons are available on this website and will soon be available at the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ which is linked above.
March 14, 2022 INFORMATIONAL UPDATE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has completed their March meeting. During the meeting a range of alternatives for ocean recreational, commercial troll, and commercial Indian troll salmon seasons for ocean fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California were adopted for public review and comment prior to final adoption at the April PFMC meeting scheduled for April 6-13. Public comments can be provided to the PFMC via their E-Portal for comments relevant to the April meeting. In addition, there will be on-line public hearings scheduled at 7:00 PM for California input on March 22, Washington input on March 22, and Oregon input on March 23. More details on these hearings and how to connect can be found on the PFMC's website.
The adopted alternatives can be found here:
March 11, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season maApril 12, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California and fishery advisors met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll Chinook salmon fishery off Oregon prior to May 16:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N), which is currently open, will continue through May 15, 2022. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-June 12 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N) to Humbug Mt. (currently closed) will open for the period of May 1-15. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-31 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will close effective 11:59PM on April 30. This area is anticipated to reopen on June 1 with a June quota of 800 Chinook and weekly (Thurs-Wed) limits of 50 Chinook per vessel under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply including mandatory reporting at the end of each trip during all openings in June, July, and August.
RATIONALE: These changes, along with the adopted seasons and regulations for the remainder of 2022, were preferred by industry representatives to assist in severe challenges in managing the impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook and lower Columbia River Natural fall Chinook. These changes will provide the mix of commercial troll opportunity for the 2022 season that are anticipated to provide the best mix of time on the water and harvest rates.
Seasons for the salmon fishery management year from May 16, 2022 through May 15, 2023 have been adopted by the PFMC and now await final approval by the US Dept. of Commerce. Links to the PFMC adopted seasons are available on this website and will soon be available at the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ which is linked above.
nagement action related to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the areas from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will open as scheduled on March 15th. The early season will be open for all salmon except coho from March 15 through April 30 with a 28” minimum total length for Chinook Salmon, no more than 4 spreads per wire, and single-point barbless hooks required. Open dates in May, and for the remainder of the 2022 season, are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. will NOT OPEN and will REMAIN CLOSED through April 30. Open dates in May and for the remainder of the 2022 season are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The incidental commercial troll Pacific Halibut season will open for 2022 effective April 1 for those areas open for commercial troll Chinook salmon fishing for those vessels with an incidental troll halibut permit issued by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) for the 2022 season. The Pacific Halibut regulations include a ratio limit of 1 halibut per each 2 Chinook plus 1 halibut outside of the ratio, a maximum of 35 halibut per trip, and a minimum head-on total length of 32 inches.
RATIONALE: The closure from the Heceta Bank management line (43o58’00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. was preferred by industry representatives to assist in managing impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide adequate opportunity as requested from fishery participants for the fishing seasons that are currently under development.
Seasons from May 16, 2022 through early May 15, 2023 are currently being developed (seasons prior to May 16 will be addressed through further inseason action). Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
January 3, 2022 - PRE-SEASON PLANNING: OCEAN SALMON MEETING NOTICE: (Meeting notes and video recordings added below on 3/1/2022)
The 2022 Ocean Salmon Pre-season Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 28, 2022. This meeting will provide a review of the 2021 seasons, take a first look at the 2022 salmon forecasts, and develop a set of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The meeting will be held virtually on-line this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic limitations (see details below).
This meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2022 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. The on-line meeting is planned to start at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 28. It is recommended that participants test their system prior to the meeting to iron out any technical problems they may have (option is available to call in by phone). There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM that will also give participants time to formulate concepts for proposals. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted at www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/ as they come available in January and February.
Please visit the PFMC’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ for details on their March and April meetings.
Meeting Materials: (will be posted here as they come available):
Topic: 2022 Ocean Salmon Pre-season Planning Meeting
Time: Feb 28, 2022; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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September 14, 2021 - ACTION NOTICE - Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and members of the Salmon Technical Team, has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- An impact neutral rollover of the 51,724 coho remaining from the mark selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net increase of 6,230 coho in the non-selective coho quota and a revised quota of 20,230 coho.
- The non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will re-open Friday, September 17, and will be open all days of the week through the earlier of the revised quota or September 30.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational mark selective coho season in the area from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border landed an estimated 68,281 coho during the June 22 to August 16 mark selective season out of the quota of 120,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. This left 51,724 coho available to roll forward on an impact neutral basis to the non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. In September, the most constraining coho stock for the rollover calculation was Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) coho, and the impact neutral rollover to the September non-mark selective season resulted in a net increase of 6,230 coho and a revised September season quota of 20,230 coho.
This season was first open on Friday, Sept. 10; Saturday, Sept. 11; and Sunday, Sept. 12. Total estimated fishing effort for the three-day opening was 6,392 angler-trips with a retained catch of 6,246 coho out of the now adjusted quota of 20,230 coho. This leaves a remainder of 13,984 coho (69%) on the quota. After review of the harvest estimates from the first three-day opening, it was determined that adding the 8 additional weekdays to the open fishing period would be unlikely to result in early attainment of the quota. The added days will provide more fishing opportunity for coho in the highly popular non-mark selective coho season.
For full regulations and updated catch information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/
Angling for Chinook salmon (all-salmon except coho) is open 7 days per week through October 31 within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The Chinook salmon season (all-salmon except coho) from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will also reopen March 15, 2022 unless modified by in-season management action during the March Pacific Fishery Management Council by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
September 3, 2021 - UPDATE– Recreational Ocean Salmon: The recreational hatchery mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border closed on August 28 as scheduled. The quota of 120,000 marked coho was not met, and an estimated 51,724 coho were left on the quota. A non-mark selective coho season for Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is scheduled to be open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning on September 10 and continuing through the earlier of the non-mark selective coho quota of 14,000 coho or the end of September.
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fishery managers have requested that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) calculate the number of fish that could be rolled forward on an “impact neutral” basis from the remaining summer fishery quota to the September non-mark selective fishery quota. “Impact neutral” means that the conversion of quota from the summer season to the September season will not result in increased impacts on any Endangered Species Act listed coho stock or any other stocks of management concern when compared to the preseason expectations. This calculation indicates that no more than 6,230 coho could be added to the non-mark selective coho salmon season and stay “impact neutral” on all coho stocks of management concern.
A conference call is scheduled with NMFS for September 14 to formalize the “roll-over” calculation. On that call, ODFW will have the opportunity to request that all or a portion of the available “roll-over” be added to the September non-mark selective coho season. A preliminary estimate of the harvest from the first 3-day opening in September will be presented during the call which may warrant further adjustments to the fishery, such as, adding additional open days per week or scheduling an earlier ending date if needed.
September 2, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, OR, the landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit for marked coho will increase from 20 marked coho salmon per week to 50 marked coho salmon per week effective 12:01 AM on Friday, September 3, 2021.
RATIONALE: As of September 1, the commercial troll fishery N. of Cape Falcon has 7,869 Chinook and 3,168 marked coho remaining on quotas. Chinook availability to the troll fishery has dropped, and in order to access more of the remaining coho salmon quota this action is projected to result in the quota being met prior to the scheduled season ending date of September 30. All other regulations remain in effect.
August 26, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Recreational ocean salmon angling within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), closes effective 12:01 AM on Monday, August 30, 2021 (Open Sunday closed Monday).
RATIONALE: The marked Coho Salmon harvest in this area is expected to approach the quota of 42,400 Coho Salmon by the end of the day on Sunday, August 29. Through Sunday, August 22 an estimated 33,960 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota leaving only 8,440 Coho Salmon remaining on the quota. During the week of August 16-22 there was an estimated harvest of 7,403 Coho Salmon. This same week of fishing had fair ocean weather conditions, and catch rates were very good at more than 1.6 salmon per angler. WDFW provided a forecast for the week of August 23-29 of 8,027 Coho Salmon for the week. That would bring the total landings to 41,987 coho out of the quota of 42,400 leaving only 413 coho remaining on the quota (<1% of the quota).
June 22, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season actions in the commercial troll salmon fishery:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) limit is increased to 20 Chinook per vessel per week in the commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border for the remaining two open periods of July 22-28 and July 29-31.
RATIONALE: Catches in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota fishery have lagged behind expectations. Through the first three open periods of July 1-7, July 8-14, and July 15-21 a total of 77 Chinook had been landed. This leaves a remainder on the quota of 139 Chinook. By increasing the weekly landing and possession limit to 20 Chinook it will provide a better chance of approaching the quota.
Participating vessels in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@state.or.us. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
July 20, 2021 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- Remaining Chinook quota from the May-June commercial troll salmon season North of Cape Falcon is rolled over to the July-September season on an impact-neutral basis. The July-September quota is increased from 15,375 to 16,931 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: A total of 9,818 Chinook were landed out of the May-June quota of 15,375 Chinook. The remaining 5,557 Chinook from the May-June US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon troll salmon fishery were evaluated for potential rollover on an impact neutral basis to the July-September troll salmon fishery in the same area. Due to the distribution of the May-June catch, when modeled only 28% of the impacts could be added to the summer quota. This resulted in a revised July-September Chinook quota of 16,931 fish.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)857-2546 or by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
June 25, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season actions in the commercial troll salmon fishery:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will reopen to fishing July 1 with the following changes:
- The landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) limit is reduced to 10 Chinook per vessel per week.
- The quota for July is increased from 200 to 216 Chinook with the rollover of remaining Chinook from the June quota season.
- The incidental troll Pacific Halibut season will continue past the end of June (this is a required consultation and action by NOAA Fisheries each year).
RATIONALE: Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota was increased by 16 Chinook on an impact neutral basis after an impact neutral rollover of the 24 Chinook remaining from the June quota of 300 Chinook. The June quota season closed on June 16 in order to stay within the quota. The revision to the weekly landing and possession limit for July is deemed necessary due to the very limited quota and anticipated vessel participation and catches.
Participating vessels in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@state.or.us. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
The incidental troll Pacific Halibut season each year must be authorized by NOAA Fisheries to continue past June 30. As of June 23, an estimated 88.6% of the quota remained, and the season will continue as scheduled during open troll salmon seasons from July 1 through the earlier of the quota of 45,198 lbs. or October 31.
June 16, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border closes to fishing at 11:59PM on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
RATIONALE: June landings through Tuesday, June 15 are estimated to be 271 Chinook out of the quota of 300 Chinook, leaving no more than 29 Chinook remaining on the June quota. The fishery is scheduled to reopen on July 1 on a quota of 200 Chinook for the month of July. Fishery managers anticipate revisiting the July season in late June to adjust to quota for any rollover from remaining June quota or possibly a reduction to the July quota if the June quota was exceeded. In addition, managers will be considering whether to reduce the weekly (Thursday through Wednesday) landing and possession limit from 20 to 10 Chinook per vessel. This is anticipated to occur on a call scheduled for June 25.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@state.or.us. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
June 3, 2021 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The Chinook Salmon landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit in the area from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon is increased from 75 to 100 fish effective June 3.
RATIONALE: A total of 3,113 Chinook were landed out of the May-June quota of 15,375 Chinook. In the Washington areas of Neah Bay and LaPush only 850 Chinook have been landed out of the cap of 5,680 Chinook. In the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management area only 22 Chinook have been landed out of the cap of 4,195 Chinook. Both of these areas have been under weekly landing limits of 75 Chinook Salmon per vessel. By increasing the limits to 100 in each area, there is a greater likelihood that the caps and the overall quota will be better accessed by the fishery.
Oregon participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to either (541)857-2546, (541)867-0300 ext. 271, or by email to nfalcon.trollreport@state.or.us. Reports should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
April 20, 2021 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery for all salmon except coho from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will open for the period of May 1-15 as described in the 2020 season regulations. This season will follow the same rules and specifications adopted by the PFMC on April 15 for the 2021 seasons. This season will continue through the earlier of June 29; the May-June overall quota of 15,375 Chinook salmon; or the Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR May-June subarea quota of 4,195 Chinook salmon (see additional regulations below).
- The minimum length for Chinook salmon beginning with the May 1, 2021 season opening from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be 27” total length (this length will apply in all open seasons in this area through May 15, 2022 unless modified by in-season action).
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from 2020 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2021 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2021 through May 15, 2020. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2021 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2021 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 8-9, May 24-25, June 3-4, June 10-11, June 17-18, June 24-25, July 1-4, July 10-11, July 17-18, July 24-25, July 31, August 7, August 13-14, and August 20-31).
- Vessels fishing in the area between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR are limited to no more than 75 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) from May 1 though June 29, and all salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
4/16/2021 OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for 2021 ocean salmon seasons late in the evening on Thursday, April 15. Copies of the adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website in the near future (www.pcouncil.org) in PreSeason Report III, and graphics of the recreational and commercial troll seasons have already been made available on www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/. Seasons from May 16 on are not official until final approval by the Secretary of Commerce, and adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
Klamath River fall Chinook salmon was a severely constraining stock on seasons from Cape Falcon through California. This year’s Columbia basin hatchery Coho salmon abundance is forecast to be one of the best since the late 1970s, and recreational coho quotas and seasons reflect this big increase. North of Cape Falcon, Chinook quotas were most restricted by tule fall Chinook from the Columbia, while the most constraining stock of wild coho were from the Queets River along the North Washington Coast.
Recreational Season Summary:
Ocean waters off the Columbia River from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will be open for recreational salmon fishing for all salmon except coho from June 19-26 with a one fish daily bag limit and a 22” minimum length.
The all salmon season North of Cape Falcon will open on June 27 and continue through the earlier of September 15 or quota with a hatchery mark selective coho quota of 42,400. There is also a Chinook guideline in this area of 7,200. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for Chinook is 22” and the coho minimum length is 16”.
Recreational Chinook seasons on the central Oregon Coast from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opened on March 15 and will continue through October 31. The area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border open for recreational Chinook beginning on June 19 and continue through August 15. The Chinook minimum length in all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border is 24”.
The hatchery mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border will be open from June 12 through the earlier of August 28 or the quota of 120,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. There will be also be a much more limited non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. in September. The September non-selective season will open on September 10, and be open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 14,000 non-mark selective coho. The open days in September may be adjusted in season. Coho minimum length of 16”.
All recreational anglers are limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hook per line when fishing for salmon, and for any species if a salmon is on board the vessel.
Commercial Troll Season Summary:
The commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon will have limited Chinook quotas again this year. The fishery will be managed by quotas, season length, and vessel landing week (Thurs.-Weds.) limits. The early all salmon except coho season opens May 1 and will continue through the earlier of June 29 or the overall quota of 15,375 Chinook salmon, or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 4,195 Chinook. The early season will have a 75 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit.
The summer all salmon fishery north of Cape Falcon will open on July 1 and continue through the earlier of the overall Chinook quota of 15,375 Chinook or quota of 5,000 fin-clipped coho. Landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 20 adipose fin-clipped coho per vessel. Minimum lengths are 27” for Chinook, and 16” for coho. Vessels must land in the area or into Garibaldi. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all troll salmon seasons in this area. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report can also be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Oregon vessels may only fish south of Leadbetter Pt., Washington.
NOTE: Any boats fishing in the area North of Cape Falcon and retaining Chinook that are greater than 27” but less than 28” must land all salmon into ports N. of Cape Falcon. Boats may only land Chinook in this size range into Garibaldi if the season S. of Cape Falcon has been closed more than 48 hours.
In the area from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank Line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.), and from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border the first season is from March 20-April 30 for all salmon except coho.
From Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border, the next openings for all salmon except coho will be May 1-5, May 10-21, and May 26-31.
From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the all salmon except coho season dates in June include June 5-7, June 12-14, June 19-21, and June 26-28.
From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. for all salmon (all coho must be marked with a healed adipose fin-clip) the open dates include: July 5-7, July 12-14, July 19-21, July 26-28, August 1-4, August 8-10, and August 15-17. During these openings in July and August, salmon trollers may retain up to 20 hatchery fin-clipped coho per week (Thurs. through Weds.). Coho in possession must not exceed the number of Chinook in possession at any time. There is an overall quota of 10,000 marked coho for this season. If the coho quota is met prior to the last opening in August, then the season will continue for all salmon except coho for any remaining open days.
From September 1 through October 31 in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the season will be open for all salmon except coho. Vessels are limited to no more than 75 Chinook per week (Thurs. through Weds.) during this season.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border, there are two quota seasons in June and July. During these seasons all salmon must be landed into Port Orford, Gold Beach, or Brookings. The June quota season will be open June 1 through the earlier of June 30 or a 300 Chinook quota with landing week (Thurs-Wed) limits of 20 Chinook per vessel. The July quota season will be open July 1 through the earlier of July 31 or a 200 Chinook quota with landing week (Thurs-Wed) limits of 20 Chinook per vessel. Unused quota from June may be transferred to the July quota period on an impact neutral basis. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all quota managed seasons. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2538 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination, and estimated time of delivery. The report may also be made by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov
Other Information:
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Single point barbless hooks are required in all ocean salmon seasons. Commercial salmon trollers are reminded that they are restricted to no more than 4 spreads per wire for all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border.
April 15, 2021 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met this morning via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll Chinook salmon seasons off Oregon for the period of May 1-15:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will continue open as scheduled through May 5, will be closed May 6-9, and will reopen May 10-15.
- The commercial troll salmon from the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. will be open May 1-5 and May 10-15 (closed May 6-9).
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives are finalizing the ocean salmon season proposals at the PFMC meeting today. Due to very limited allowances for Klamath River fall Chinook salmon, significant season cuts are being made in Oregon and California. The closure from May 6-9 is one of many restrictions agreed to that will optimize access to the resource along industry recommendations.
Seasons from May 16, 2021 through early May 15, 2022, which are anticipated to be finalized tonight, and those seasons will still need approvals from NMFS, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The PFMC adopted season recommendations will be available at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ by Friday, April 16.
March 23, 2021: Notice of Public Hearings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be holding a series of public hearings on the ocean salmon season alternatives that went out for review. The hearing will all be hosted on-line using the RingCentral platform. Follow the links below for how to connect, and how to fill out a comment card to testify at the meetings. These hearings are as follows:
The alternatives are available in PreSeason Report II which can be found here: https://www.pcouncil.org/documents/2021/03/2021-preseason-report-ii.pdf/
The Oregon commercial troll and recreational alternatives are also available in a time/area graphic representation at: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/Regulations/docs/2021_March__PFMC_Alternatives_Maps.pdf
March 11, 2021 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE:
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met Wednesday evening via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the areas from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43D 58’ 00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will be delayed until March 20th (March 15-19 CLOSED). The early season will be open for all salmon except coho from March 20 through April 30 with a 28” minimum total length for Chinook Salmon, no more than 4 spreads per wire, and single-point barbless hooks required. Open dates in May, and for the remainder of the 2021 season, are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from the Heceta Bank management line (43D 58’ 00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. will NOT OPEN and will REMAIN CLOSED through April 30. Open dates in May and for the remainder of the 2021 season are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The incidental commercial troll Pacific Halibut season will open for 2021 effective April 1 for those areas open for commercial troll Chinook salmon for those vessels with an incidental troll halibut permit issued by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) for the 2021 season. The Pacific Halibut regulations include a ratio limit of 1 halibut per each 2 Chinook plus 1 halibut outside of the ratio, a maximum of 35 halibut per trip, and a minimum head-on total length of 32 inches.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that delaying the Chinook openings for Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43o58’00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border until March 20 would give trollers needed time to prepare to participate in the fishery. The closure from the Heceta Bank management line (43o58’00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. was preferred by industry representatives as needed to help manage impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide adequate opportunity as requested from fishery participants of the fishing seasons that are currently under development.
Seasons from May 16, 2021 through early May 15, 2022 are currently being developed (seasons prior to May 16 will be addressed through further inseason action). Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 6-9 and 12-15. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
March 11, 2021 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE:
ACTION TAKEN (no action): The planned ocean Chinook salmon season (all-salmon-except coho) will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. from March 15 through May 15. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with minimum size limits of 24” for Chinook and 20” for steelhead.
RATIONALE: The recreational ocean salmon fishery off Oregon in March, April, and early May typically has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2021 fishing year. Seasons from May 16, 2021 through early May 2022 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 6-9 and 12-15. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
2021 PRE-SEASON PLANNING: OCEAN SALMON MEETING NOTICE:
The 2021 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2021. This pre-season planning meeting will provide a review of the 2020 seasons, take a first look at the 2021 salmon forecasts, and develop a set of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held virtually on-line this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic limitations (see details below).
Meeting Materials:
The OSIG meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2021 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. This on-line meeting is planned to start at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 25. It is recommended that participants test their system prior to the meeting to iron out any technical problems they may have (option is available to call in by phone). There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM that will also give participants time to formulate concepts for proposals. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted at www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/ as they come available in January and February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held virtually to develop a set of season alternatives. The final season setting meeting will occur in April 2-11 and will also be conducted in a virtual setting. Please visit the PFMC’s website at www.pcouncil.org for details.
Topic: 2021 Ocean Salmon Industry Group Meeting
Time: Feb 25, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 161 532 5489
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If you have questions prior to the meeting, please email Eric Schindler at eric.d.schindler@odfw.oregon.gov
September 8, 2020 - ACTION NOTICE - Recreational Ocean Salmon: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, members of the Salmon Technical Team, members of the Salmon Advisory Subpanel, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTION TAKEN: The recreational non-selective Coho Salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is now closed to retention of Coho Salmon for the remainder of the year. Angling for Chinook Salmon remains open through October within this area.
RATIONALE: The non-mark selective coho season opened on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5 on an adjusted quota of 4,650 Coho Salmon following the impact neutral rollover of coho remaining on the quota from the hatchery mark selective season which ended on August 16. The non-mark selective coho season was slated to run each Friday and Saturday in September through the earlier of the quota or September 30. The fishery opened with ocean conditions that ranged from fair to good and catch rates varied from fair to very good within the open area. Number of participating anglers was very high on the holiday weekend especially at Garibaldi and Newport.
The preliminary estimate of catch from the two day opening totaled 4,372 coho leaving only 278 coho remaining on the quota, and not enough coho for another day of fishing. Retention of all salmon except coho remains open through October 31, 2020 from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.
August 26, 2020 - ACTION NOTICE - Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and members of the Salmon Technical Team, has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain:
ACTION TAKEN:
- An impact neutral rollover of coho remaining from the mark selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net increase of 1,650 coho in the non-selective coho quota and a revised quota of 4,650 coho.
- The non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is open each Friday and Saturday from September 4 through the earlier of the revised quota or September 30. Open days within September may be adjusted by further action.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational season in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. landed an estimated 13,392 coho during the June 22 to August 16 mark selective season out of the quota of 22,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. This left 8,608 coho available to roll forward on an impact neutral basis to the non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. which opens on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5. In September, the most constraining coho stock for the rollover calculation is Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) coho, and OCN coho are anticipated to make up approximately 60% of the catch in the September non-selective season.
Angling for Chinook salmon (all-salmon except coho) is open 7 days per week through October 31 within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The Chinook salmon season (all-salmon except coho) from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will also reopen March 15, 2021 unless modified by in-season management action during the March Pacific Fishery Management Council by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
7/23/2020 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Recreational ocean salmon angling within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), closes effective 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 26, 2020.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The marked Coho Salmon harvest in this area is expected to approach the quota of 13,250 Coho Salmon by the end of the day on Sunday, July 26. Through Sunday, July 19 an estimated 9,164 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota leaving only 4,086 Coho Salmon remaining on the quota. The week of July 6-12, had an estimated 4,031 angler-trips and a harvest of 5,898 Coho Salmon. The most recent week of fishing (July 13-19) had very poor ocean weather conditions, but catch rates remained near a fish per angler for the boats that did make it out, with a total of 1,384 Coho Salmon landed from 1,558 angler-trips. This week the weather has improved, with good ocean conditions forecast through Friday and catch rates near 1.4 salmon per angler. WDFW provided a forecast for the week of July 20-26 Sunday of slightly less than 4,000 Coho Salmon landed for the week.
Prior to the call, the commercial troll fishery and the Westport recreational fishery offered up an extra 500 Coho Salmon to help insure that the fishery could stay open through Sunday without exceeding the quota. However, the best assessment by fishery managers was that there was no need to request the transfer at this time.
July 9, 2020 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon (1 of 2): NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- Remaining Chinook quota from the May-June commercial troll salmon season North of Cape Falcon is rolled over to the July-September season on an impact-neutral basis. The July-September quota is increased from 13,820 to 25,499 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: A total of 2,141 Chinook were landed out of the May-June quota of 13,820 Chinook. The remaining 11,679 Chinook from the May-June US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon troll salmon fishery were evaluated for potential rollover on an impact neutral basis to the July-September troll salmon fishery in the same area. The impacts were neutral or better on all management stocks, and NOAA Fisheries approved the rollover on a 1:1 basis. This resulted in a revised July-September Chinook quota of 25,499 fish.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 271 or by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
The OSIG meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2020 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM at the Hallmark Resort's Salon Room (downstairs) with presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in January and February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma in Rohnert Park, California (One DoubleTree Drive, Rohnert Park, CA) from March 3-9. This first PFMC meeting in Rohnert Park will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur in early April (original dates were April 4-10). Due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus and ongoing efforts to slow its spread, the PFMC will be holding all remaining meetings by webinar. Please visit the PFMC’s website at www.pcouncil.org for details. More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.
Hooks:
- Single point barbless hooks are legally required and a best practice as well.
- Using only one hook per lure or bait reduces handling time and simplifies releasing a fish. Two hook riggings often result in more than one injury to a fish, complicate unhooking the fish, and are more likely to get tangled in a landing net.
- Hook size: Some prior mortality studies indicate that hook sizes in the 1/0 range may have a lower hooking mortality impact than larger sizes such as 5/0 and 6/0.
- If trolling a whole or plug cut bait use one of the various hooking options that allow for a single hook to be used (cable baiter, crowbar, needle bait threader, etc.).
Handling:
- For any salmon that are anticipated to be released, avoid using any landing net.
- If you have a high sided boat that requires you to net every fish, consider investing in a landing net that uses less abrasive netting (rubber, soft nylon, etc.).
- Have a de-hooking device ready when bringing the fish to the boat.
- Gaff hooks work well for jaw hooked fish. Slide the gaff around the leader and then down the leader to the bend of the hook, at the same time holding the leader in your other hand, then push down on the leader while pulling up on the gaff handle to release the fish.
- Fish hooked deeper inside the mouth/gullet/gills will likely require the use of pliers, hemostats, or another style of de-hooking device.
- Use a heavy leader to better facilitate controlling the fish by hand as you prepare to release it.
Fishing Methods:
- If you are targeting Chinook, then some of these tips will help avoid incidental coho contacts.
- Fish deep: Chinook are usually going to be found deeper in the water column than coho. Coho are most commonly found in the top 30 feet of the water column. Getting deeper can be accomplished with the use of a downrigger, larger deep diving planes, or heavy leads.
- Slow down: Coho are more likely to strike at faster moving baits and lures, while Chinook generally will take gear trolled slower.
- Use longer leaders: Coho like a “frantic lure or bait”, so if you are using a dodger or flasher, a longer leader 20”-36” will slow the action down a bit.
- Use large artificial plugs or whole bait early in the season: Early in the year, large (6” or larger) artificial plugs or bait are often larger than a coho will try to take. Later in the season this will no likely reduce coho contacts.
- Bait has a higher likelihood of being taken deep and resulting in a deep hook-up than most lures.
- If mooching/drifting whole or plug cut bait for salmon, a circle hook will result in fewer gullet and gill hooked salmon.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and a member of the Salmon Technical Team has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational non mark selective coho salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain:
ACTION TAKEN:
- Retention of coho in the non-mark selective season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is now allowed all days from Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 29.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational non mark selective coho salmon season in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. was scheduled to be open each Friday through Sunday in September. The last two open Sundays saw poor ocean conditions and resulted in low total catch in those openings. Overall angling participation is declining and catch rates are starting to decline as more coho leave the ocean. There is approximately, 40% of the quota remaining and adding the four weekdays is not expected to result in early attainment of the quota. The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor the landings in the event that catches exceed expectations.
The season will be open this Friday through Sunday (September 20-22). Through the third open period a total of 9,073 coho have been landed out of the adjusted quota of 15,640 coho. This leaves 42% of the quota remaining. Fishery managers will evaluate the status of the fishery early next week, and announce any changes to the season dates if needed at that time.
The season will be open this Friday through Sunday (September 13-15. Through the second open period a total of 7,950 coho have been landed out of the adjusted quota of 15,640 coho. This leaves 49% of the quota remaining. Fishery managers will evaluate the status of the fishery early next week, and announce any changes to the season dates if needed at that time.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and members of the Salmon Technical Team, has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain:
ACTION TAKEN:
- There is an impact neutral rollover of coho remaining from the mark selective summer season to the non mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This results in a net increase of 6,640 coho in the non selective coho season and a revised quota of 15,640 coho.
- The non selective coho season is open each Friday through Sunday through the earlier of the quota or September 30. Open days within September may be adjusted by further action.
- Angling for Chinook salmon is open 7 days per week through October 31 within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational season in the area from Cape Falcon to the Oregon/California Border landed an estimated 40,404 coho during the June 22 to August 25 mark selective season. This left 49,596 coho available to rollover on an impact neutral basis to the non selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. which opened on August 31. This season was scheduled to open on Saturday, August 31, and then open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through September or the quota of 9,000 coho. When the calculations for the impact neutral rollover were made by the Salmon Technical Team, the resulting rollover was 6,640 coho, and resulted in a revised non selective quota of 15,640 coho.
The opening two days of the non selective season (August 31 and September 1) saw total estimated landings of 5,164 coho or 57% of the original quota. With the rollover, there are enough coho remaining on the quota to insure the next three day opener from Friday, Sept. 6 through Sunday, Sept. 8 could proceed. Catches from this opening will be evaluated early next week to determine if any changes need to be considered for the next open period.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- In all areas to the North of Cape Falcon, the Chinook landing week limit (Thursday through Wednesday) is increased from 125 Chinook per landing week to 160 Chinook per landing week effective at 00:01 on Friday, August 16. The 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week remains unchanged.
RATIONALE: As of today’s action, 5,373 Chinook and 27,427 coho remain on the respective quotas for the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon commercial troll fishery. The 125 Chinook per week limit was limiting some vessels, and the quota is not currently at risk of being met with the level of participation and catch rates.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, has taken in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border.
ACTION TAKEN
- The August Chinook salmon quota for the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is increased by 3,130 Chinook to a revised quota of 4,330 Chinook.
RATIONALE: An estimated total of 584 Chinook were caught during the month of July on the adjusted July quota of 4,495 Chinook. When the remaining 3,911 Chinook from the July quota were rolled forward to August on an impact neutral basis for all management stocks, it resulted in a net increase in the transferred quota at a rate of approximately 0.80 August equivalents for each July fish being transferred, and an increase of 3,130 Chinook in the August quota. These rollovers allow for more flexibility and better planning in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border area that is managed via monthly quotas.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of salmon being by species, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the retention of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to the US/Mexico Border.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The landing limit of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll salmon fishery (incidental take for those troll vessels with an incidental troll permit from the IPHC) will be reduced to no more than 2 total halibut per trip effective at 00:01 on Saturday, July 27. Any vessels that are in possession of more than 2 Pacific Halibut (up to the current limit of 4 halibut per trip), must land and deliver their halibut along with the required ratio of Chinook per halibut no later than 12:00 (noon) on Saturday, July 27. There is no change to the ratio requirement of 1 Pacific Halibut per 2 Chinook Salmon (1 halibut may also be landed outside of the ratio).
RATIONALE: As of July 24, estimated Pacific Halibut total landings of 46,396 lbs. (head on) had been recorded out of the head-on quota of 51,022 lbs. leaving 12,695 lbs. remaining (9.1% of the quota remaining). In order to allow access to the remaining quota, providing an extended period for incidental halibut retention, while minimizing the risk of exceeding the quota, the landing limit was reduced for the third time this season. Fishery managers will revisit this issue as needed.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- In all areas to the North of Cape Falcon, a Chinook landing week limit (Thursday through Wednesday) of 125 Chinook per vessel per week will take effect at 00:01 on Friday, July 19. This is in addition to the 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week that is currently in effect.
RATIONALE: In order to allow for commercial salmon to remain available to the local markets this move should allow the fishery to continue for much of the remaining scheduled fishing season. Chinook landings have reached a point where there was concern that an early closure may be needed. Trollers fishing N. of Cape Falcon and landing into Oregon are reminded of the mandatory reporting of catch within one hour of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the retention of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to the US/Mexico Border.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The landing limit of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll salmon fishery (incidental take for those troll vessels with an incidental troll permit from the IPHC) will be reduced to no more than 4 total halibut per trip effective at 00:01 on Friday, July 19. Any vessels that are in possession of more than 4 Pacific Halibut (up to the current limit of 15 halibut per trip), must land and deliver their halibut along with the required ratio of Chinook per halibut no later than 23:59 on Friday, July 19. There is no change to the ratio requirement of 1 Pacific Halibut per 2 Chinook Salmon (1 halibut may also be landed outside of the ratio).
RATIONALE: As of July 10, total landings of 38,328 lbs. (head on) had been recorded out of the head-on quota of 51,022 lbs. leaving 12,695 lbs. remaining (24.9% of the quota remaining). Forecast landings for the week of July 11-17 are 6,425 lbs. leaving only 6,270 lbs. (12.3% remaining on the quota). In order to allow access to the remaining quota, while minimizing the risk of exceeding the quota, the landing limit was reduced. Fishery managers are expecting to revisit this issue in the afternoon on Wednesday, July 24.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- Remaining Chinook quota from the May-June commercial fishery North of Cape Falcon is rolled over to the July-September fishery on an impact-neutral basis. The July-September quota is increased from 13,050 to 19,257 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: The Chinook remaining from the May-June US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon troll salmon fishery were evaluated for potential rollover to the July-September troll salmon fishery in the same area. The impacts were neutral or better on all management stocks, and NOAA Fisheries approved the rollover on a 1:1 r09/18/2024 8:34 AMce="calibri,arial,sans-serif" size="3"> NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The July Chinook salmon quota for the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is increased by 1,995 Chinook to a revised quota of 4,495 Chinook
- The weekly landing and possession limit in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is increased to 125 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) beginning 12:01 AM July 4, 2019
RATIONALE: Estimated June landings totaled 71 Chinook out of the quota of 3,200 Chinook, leaving 3,129 Chinook on the quota. When the remaining Chinook from the June quota were rolled forward to July on an impact neutral basis for all management stocks, it resulted in a net increase in the transferred quota at a rate of approximately 0.64 July equivalents for each June fish being transferred, and resulted in a net increase of 1,995 Chinook available to the July quota. The weekly landing limit per vessel will be increased from 50 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednes09/18/2024 8:34 AMopportunity for the troll fishery to access their allocation. The revised landing limit will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2019 season unless adjusted by future management action.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of salmon being by species, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has adopted special regulations at the mouth of Nehalem Bay that mimick the inside restrictions. From July 1 through Sept. 15 no more than one wild (non clipped) Chinook Salmon is allowed in aggregate from the special terminal area at the mouth of Nehalem Bay, Nehalem River, and Nehalem Bay. More details on the regulations and a description of the terminal area can be found at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/regulations/docs/Nehalem_Ocean_Terminal_Area_2019.pdf
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the retention of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to the US/Mexico Border.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The landing limit of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll salmon fishery (incidental take for those troll vessels with an incidental troll permit from the IPHC) will be reduced to no more than 15 total halibut per trip effective at 00:01 on Monday, July 1. Any vessels that are in possession of more than 15 Pacific Halibut, must land and deliver their halibut along with the required ratio of Chinook per halibut no later than 23:59 on Sunday, June 30. There is no change to the ratio requirement of 1 Pacific Halibut per 2 Chinook Salmon (1 halibut may also be landed outside of the ratio).
RATIONALE: As of June 19, total landings of 22,699 lbs. had been recorded out of the quota of 44,899 lbs. leaving 22,200 lbs. remaining (49.4% of the quota remaining). A preseason agreement between troll salmon representatives was made in April to make an inseason reduction in the landing limit in order to allow the incidental take to remain in place for most of the fishing season. By reducing to 15 halibut per trip, it is anticipated that most of the season will remain open for retention of halibut incidental to troll salmon fishing. Fishery managers will revisit this issue as needed, but not later than mid-August.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) with input from their Salmon Advisory Subpanel and analysis by the Salmon Technical Team has completed development of the range of commercial troll and recreational ocean salmon season alternatives for 2019 ocean salmon seasons. These alternatives can be found on the PFMC website. A series of graphical representation of the Oregon alternatives in PDF format is here. The PFMC will finalize a single set of ocean salmon seasons at their meeting in Rohnert Park, California (April 9-16).
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met this evening in Vancouver, Washington and have taken the following in-season management action to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through April 19, and open for all salmon except coho on April 20 with a 28” minimum length for Chinook Salmon.
(2) The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through April 19, and open for all salmon except coho on April 20 with a 28” minimum length for Chinook Salmon.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this closure was needed to help manage impacts on both Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide adequate opportunity as requested from fishery participants throughout the remainder of the fishing seasons that are currently under development. The April 20 opening date may still be modified by inseason action in early April.
Seasons from May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 9-16 in Rohnert Park, California.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met this evening in Vancouver, Washington and have taken the following in-season management action to the scheduled March and April recreational ocean Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN: The planned ocean Chinook salmon (all-salmon-except coho) season will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. from March 15 through April 30, 2019. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with a minimum size of 24” for Chinook and a minimum size of 20” for steelhead.
RATIONALE: The recreational ocean fishery off Oregon in March and April typically has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2019 fishing year. Seasons from May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 9-16 in Rohnert Park, California.
The 2019 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2019. This pre-season planning meeting will provide a review of the 2018 seasons, take a first look at the 2019 salmon forecasts, and develop a set of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held at the Shilo Inn, 536 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport, OR.
The OSIG meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2019 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM at the Shilo Inn with presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:00 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM,. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in January and February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington (301 W. Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA) from March 5-12. This first PFMC meeting in Vancouver will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma in Rohnert Park, California (One DoubleTree Drive, Rohnert Park, CA) from April 9-16. More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has taken action in the Chetco River State Waters Commercial Troll Chinook season:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The Chetco State Waters Commercial Troll Chinook season will close at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.
RATIONALE: As of Sunday, October 21 a total of 265 Chinook had been landed by the commercial troll salmon fleet from the Chetco River State Waters Commercial Troll Chinook season out of the quota of 300 Chinook. This leaves only 35 Chinook remaining on the quota, but recent catch rates and participation indicate that two days of fishing would stay within the quota limitation.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council and members of the Salmon Technical Team, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The September non selective coho season will be open on Friday, September 21 for all salmon. The season will close to retention of coho at 11:59PM on Friday, September 21.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational season in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. has landed a total of 5,422 coho during the two Fri-Sat non selective coho salmon open periods in September. This leaves a remainder of 2,178 coho on the revised quota of 7,600 coho. With 2,736 coho taken in the first two day opening and 2,686 coho taken in the second two day opening, it was obvious that there were not enough coho remaining to allow for another two days of fishing. Managers selected Friday as the best option for a final day of fishing based on forecasts of marine conditions.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council and members of the Salmon Technical Team, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- There will be an impact neutral rollover of 23,370 coho from the mark selective summer season to the non mark selective September season. This results in a net increase of 4,100 coho in the September season and a revised quota of 7,600 coho.
- The September non selective coho season will be open on Friday, September 14 through Saturday, September 15 for all salmon.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational season in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. landed an estimated 11,630 coho during the June 30 to September 3 mark selective season. This left 23,370 coho available to rollover on an impact neutral basis to the September non selective coho season which is open each Friday and Saturday in September or the quota of 3,500 coho. The result of the impact neutral rollover was a net of 4,100 coho to be added to the September non selective coho season. During the first open period in the non selective coho season in September, there were a total of 2,739 coho landed leaving 761 coho on the quota, and there would not have been enough coho to reopen for another day of fishing. With the revised remaining quota of 4,861 coho, it was confirmed that the season will be able to reopen for September 14-15 (Friday-Saturday). Catches from this opening will be evaluated next week to determine if enough coho remain for any additional days of fishing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council and members of the Salmon Technical Team , has taken in-season action with respect to ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- 2,400 Coho Salmon remaining from the Columbia River Area Ocean Area recreational fishery quota will be transferred back to the troll fishery as agreed to in the initial transfer.
RATIONALE: The transfer of 2,400 Coho Salmon from the troll fishery to the recreational fishery in the area from Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon that was made in order to allow the recreational fishery to reopen for Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend. The recreational fishery season is now ended, and the unused coho are returned to the troll quota per the agreement when the coho transfer from the commercial to the recreational season was made.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), recreational ocean salmon fishing will reopen for salmon angling on Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3.
- There will be a repeat of the earlier transfer of 2,400 coho from the commercial troll salmon fishery to the recreational fishery in the Columbia River Area in order to insure there are enough coho available for the two days of fishing.
- The two days of fishing will be open for two salmon per day, but all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin-clip. Minimum sizes of 24” for Chinook and 16” for coho.
- Anglers that retain Chinook from the ocean fishery are reminded that they cannot continue to angle for any species within the buoy 10 fishery with a Chinook in possession. The Columbia River is currently closed to Chinook angling and retention.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational season in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon closed at the end of the day on Sunday, August 12 th. It was expected that the marked coho quota, including donations of 600 coho from the Westport recreational quota and 2,400 coho from the commercial troll quota would have nearly been exhausted by that time. The final week of the season saw lower fishing effort and catch than anticipated, and 558 coho remain from the original quota of 21,000 coho. By reinstituting the transfer of 2,400 coho from the commercial troll quota, it is anticipated that there will be an adequate number of coho available for the two open days of fishing. In addition, the limitation of no more than one Chinook in the daily bag limit was not necessary for the final two days as 5,777 Chinook remain on the guideline of 8,000.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) marked Coho Salmon landing and possession limit in the areas from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon was increased from 10 to 25 marked coho. This action will take effect immediately.
- A transfer of 2,400 Coho Salmon from the troll fishery to the recreational fishery in the area from Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon was made in order to allow the recreational fishery to reopen for Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend. Once the recreational season in that area closes any coho remaining on the quota in that area will be transferred back to the commercial troll salmon fishery.
RATIONALE: The risk of exceeding the coho allocation in the troll fishery has diminished greatly. By allowing a modest increase in the marked coho landing week limit, the troll fishery will have a more appropriate opportunity to access more of their allocation.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The landing week Chinook Salmon landing and possession limits in the areas from the US/Canada Border to the Queets River, and from Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon were increased to 85 Chinook. This action will take effect immediately on August 23 for the current landing week.
- The transfer of 2,400 Coho Salmon from the troll fishery to the recreational fishery in the Columbia River area was returned to the troll fishery resulting in a current troll marked Coho quota of 4,600.
RATIONALE: In both the area N. of the Queets and the Columbia River area (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon) the risk of exceeding the allowed subarea caps on harvest is very low. By increasing the landing week limits in these areas, the troll fishery will have a more appropriate opportunity to reach harvest goals for the season while staying below the expectations of impacts on critical stocks. As of this date, a total of 7,007 Chinook have been landed out of the summer quota of 11,000 Chinook. The season is scheduled to continue through the earlier of September 19 or the quota.
On August 8 a transfer of Coho was made from the commercial troll quota to the recreational quota in the Columbia River area in order to insure that the recreational season could remain open through Sunday August, 12. After that season closed, none of the Coho transferred from the commercial troll fishery or from the Westport area recreational quota were used, and all coho are being transferred back to the donor quotas. As of this date, only 807 have been landed from the quota of 4,600 leaving 3,793 coho remaining on the quota.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The landing week (Thurs-Wed) landing and possession limit is increased from 50 Chinook to 80 Chinook effective on August 13.
RATIONALE: During the first 5 days of open trolling in the August quota fishery, a total of 212 Chinook were landed out of the adjusted quota of 1,430 (15%). The weekly limits are used as a tool to help insure that landings stay within the overall quota. Due to the lower number of participating vessels and very limited open days in August, the increase to the landing limit should allow a better opportunity for the troll fishery to access the remaining quota.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of salmon being by species, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), recreational ocean salmon fishing closes effective 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 12, 2018.
- Transfer of 2,400 Coho from the commercial troll salmon fishery to the recreational fishery in the Columbia River Area in exchange for remaining Chinook from the quota being transferred to the commercial troll fishery.
- Transfer of 600 Coho from the recreational ocean fishery in the Westport Area.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The marked Coho Salmon quota in this area is expected to be met by the end of the day on Sunday, August 12 th. Through Sunday, August 5 th an estimated 14,086 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota of 21,000 Coho leaving only 6,914 Coho available for harvest. The most recent week of fishing had total landings of 7,639 Coho or 36% of the quota in one week. Effort and catches have been accelerating in the area, and the added transfers from the commercial troll and Westport recreational fisheries are expected to keep the fishery from exceeding the quota prior to the scheduled close. Any coho that may remain from the Columbia River Ocean Area quota will be transferred back to the Westport area recreational and to the commercial troll coho quotas on the same rate that they were provided to the Columbia River Area recreational fishery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery:
ACTION TAKEN:
- Retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery closes effective at 11:59PM on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. Commercial salmon troll vessels in possession of Pacific Halibut must land and deliver their catch no later than 11:59PM on Thursday, August 9, 2018.
RATIONALE: Through August 7 th, only an estimated 736 lbs. remain on the incidental troll quota of Pacific Halibut. This equates to likely less than 36 individual fish. Harvest estimates will be reviewed in the next week or two to see if enough halibut poundage may remain to allow for any additional small opening.
Hatchery mark-selective (fin-clipped hatchery) coho fisheries have been an effective tool to allow for longer fishing seasons and larger quotas than could be obtained in a fishery where non-clipped coho are allowed in the bag limit. Mark-selective fishing seasons are considered in those areas where hatchery salmon are expected to make up a large portion of the catch, where the majority of the hatchery salmon are fin-clipped, and where conservation or fishery management concerns limit non-selective seasons to very short durations. In 2018, all fishing impacts for coho were limited to no more than 18% of Lower Columbia River coho (LCN) and 15% of the Oregon Coastal Natural coho (OCN) populations. Other stocks of coho off the Washington Coast were also of concern and were an added limitation on seasons. Within the developed seasons it was forecast that 16.2% of the LCN coho will be impacted with 3.8% coming from the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. sport seasons. For OCN coho, overall impacts were forecast at 12.9% with 7.5% coming from the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. sport seasons.
The most common concern expressed by anglers about selective fisheries is that they are having to release too many fish to catch hatchery fish for retention, and that too many released fish will not survive. Expected mortality of coho released during the fishery is included in the analysis when the ocean salmon seasons are developed in the spring. However, while some released wild coho will die, in a non-selective fishery 100% of wild coho retained will die and are counted against allowable limits. However, in a mark-selective coho fishery only 15% of the wild coho that are caught and released will count against the allowable impact. Based on the estimated post-release mortality rates, annual quotas for a mark-selective coho fishery in Oregon are expected to be at least three to four times greater than if anglers were allowed to retain all coho. This results in a higher overall harvest of coho and longer coho seasons than can be attained with non-selective coho seasons.
It is true that not all hatchery coho are fin-clipped. Currently, both ODFW and WDFW fin clip nearly 100% of their hatchery coho production. However there are a number of hatchery releases – such as those used in upper basin reintroduction and research efforts – that are not fin clipped. Hatchery coho for the 2018 fishing season were released from hatcheries in 2017. A total of 17 million hatchery coho were released from the Columbia Basin in 2017. Of that total, 15 million, or 89%, were marked with an adipose fin-clip. In addition to hatchery clipping rates, the rate at which anglers will encounter unmarked coho is affected by the relative abundance of wild coho from a variety of areas. This rate will vary depending on when and where anglers are fishing. Highest fin-clipped rates will be encountered prior to mid-August, and higher rates are more typically observed on the North and Central Oregon Coast than on the South Oregon Coast. This is because the majority of hatchery coho in the ocean off Oregon come from releases in the Columbia River basin. Those fish begin to return to the Columbia in August, and tend to be in greater abundance closer to the Columbia.
For example, using a rough breakdown of the preseason expectations from this season (using 50% fin-clipped encounter rate, 89% of hatchery coho being clipped, and 15% hook and release mortality rate) a boat catching 100 coho season during the season could expect the following: 50 fin-clipped hatchery coho that would be kept, 6 non fin-clipped hatchery coho released, and 44 wild coho released. Of the 44 released wild coho, the expectation is that about 7 would not survive (44 x 0.15 = 6.6). For the same 100 hooked coho catch if this was a non-selective fishery, the retained catch would consist of the same mix of fish, but all of the wild fish would now be dead and count against the limitations. So for that same boat to stay with the same number of impacted wild coho as in the selective fishery, their catch in a non-selective season would decline from the 50 retained fin-clipped hatchery coho to roughly 15 retained coho (8 fin-clipped hatchery coho, 1 non-clipped hatchery coho, and 6 wild coho).
This all means that in order to stay within the allowed impacts on the critical populations of coho, the quotas in a non-selective quota are dramatically lower than in a hatchery mark selective season. A smaller quota also means a much shorter season. When the public has been presented the option of a larger selective quota vs. a much smaller non-selective coho quota, they have overwhelmingly chosen the selective fishery option. This year, the choice for the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. summer season would have been between a selective season quota of 35,000 fin-clipped coho from late June through early September with an additional non-selective season in September of 3,500 coho; and a purely non-selective quota that would have been about 10,000 coho for the same level of impacts to the limitations. It is very likely that the season would have lasted less than 3 weeks as opposed to the 11-12 weeks of coho fishing that are anticipated open under the current season structure.
Our port sampling so far this season indicates that the ratio of non-clipped coho is higher than was forecast. However, it’s important to remember that many factors affect the mark rate of fish encountered. These include better wild coho production than forecast, lower hatchery coho survival than forecast, or abnormal ocean distribution of the coho populations off of Oregon. Efforts to develop inseason updates of salmon abundances in the ocean based on fishery performance have been hindered by very high uncertainty, and as of today, no reliable method has been found. As a result, fishery managers are unable to determine which of those possibilities is actually occurring until well after fish return to spawn. In the meantime, we hope anglers will work hard to insure that as many of the coho they have to release do survive.
Some tips for improving survival of released salmon include:
- If you seem to be encountering a large number of unmarked fish and few clipped fish, try moving to a different fishing location.
- Check for a fin clip before using a landing net. If you aren’t certain, try to check again while the fish is in the net, but before taking it out of the water.
- Avoid using more than one hook on a line. Double hook mooching rigs can make releasing a salmon difficult, and the second hook often ends up creating additional damage to the fish.
- Use a de-hooking tool to release fish without removing them from the water. This can be a dowel with a large cup hook on the end or a gaff hook where the bend of the fish hook is caught by the bend of the cup hook or gaff hook and pulled up while the line is being held down in the opposite hand.
- If the hook is deep inside the mouth or throat, cut the line close to the mouth.
- If you inadvertently net a salmon that must be released, try to get the fish back in the water immediately with as little handling as possible.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border.
ACTION TAKEN: The August Chinook salmon quota for the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is increased by 930 Chinook to a revised quota of 1,430 Chinook.
RATIONALE: The adjusted July quota of 1,975 Chinook was not met during the open days in July. Estimated July landings totaled 1,397 Chinook leaving 578 Chinook on the quota. When the remaining 578 Chinook from the July quota were rolled forward to August on an impact neutral basis, it resulted in a net increase in the transferred quota at a rate of 1.6 August equivalents for each July fish being transferred, and a net increase of 930 Chinook in the August quota. The August season will open as scheduled with 50 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) per vessel for the open periods of August 3-7, August 13-17, and August 25-29 with a revised quota of 1,430 Chinook.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of salmon being by species, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The landing week Chinook Salmon landing and possession limits in the areas from the US/Canada Border to the Queets River, and from Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon were increased from 50 to 75 Chinook. This action will take effect at 00:01 on Thursday, July 26.
- A transfer of 1,000 Coho Salmon from the troll fishery to the recreational fishery in the Neah Bay area was made in order to keep the recreational fishery open for 1-2 more weeks. Once the recreational season in that area closes any Chinook remaining on the quota in that area will transfer to the commercial troll salmon fishery on an impact neutral basis.
RATIONALE: In both the area N. of the Queets and the Columbia River area (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon) the risk of exceeding the allowed subarea caps on harvest has diminished greatly. By increasing the landing week limits in these areas, the troll fishery will have a more appropriate opportunity to reach harvest goals for the season while staying below the expectations of impacts on critical stocks.
The recreational season in the Neah Bay area had already reached 74% of their season quota through July 22 nd with 23% being taken in the most recent week. In order to keep the recreational fishery open for at least this week, more coho were needed. A trade with the commercial troll fishery was negotiated to allow the recreational fishery to have a more orderly end to their season.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the retention of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to the US/Mexico Border.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The incidental take of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll salmon fishery by vessels with appropriate IPHC permits will reopen on a revised ratio and landing limit effective at 00:01 on Thursday, July 26. The limits will now be 1 Pacific Halibut per 3 Chinook (1 halibut may be landed outside of the ratio) with no more than 10 total halibut per trip.
RATIONALE: There are approximately 5,700 lbs. of halibut remaining on the incidental troll fishery quota of 35,620 lbs. Managers and industry discussed how to best access the remaining quota while minimizing the risk of exceeding the quota, and ended with settling on the revised ratios and trip limits that were approved.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the retention of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll fishery from the US/Canada Border to the US/Mexico Border. ACTION TAKEN:
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The incidental take of Pacific Halibut in the ocean troll salmon fishery by vessels with appropriate IPHC permits will end at 23:59 on Saturday, July 14. All Pacific Halibut in possession must be landed and delivered no later the 23:59 on Sunday, July 15.
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NOAA Fisheries will revisit the status of the remaining quota in the next week and consider a reopening with lower limits.
RATIONALE: Through July 11, an estimated 30,789 lbs. of Pacific Halibut had been landed out of the incidental troll fishery quota of 35,620 lbs., and leaving only 4,831 lbs. of the quota (13.6%). During the most recent week of landings, the Washington troll fleet had taken nearly the poundage that remains on the quota. By closing the retention of Pacific Halibut at this time, and insuring all landings are tallied, fishery managers can develop a more appropriate set of landing limits to complete the incidental Pacific Halibut quota while reducing the risk of exceeding the allocation.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border.
ACTION TAKEN: The July Chinook salmon quota for the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is reduced on an impact neutral basis to account for the landings in excess of the June quota. The overage of 56 Chinook results in a reduction of 25 Chinook in the July quota with a revised quota of 1,975 Chinook for July.
RATIONALE: The June quota of 1,500 Chinook was exceeded during the first nine open days of fishing (June 4-12) with a total of 1,556 Chinook landed. The July season will open as scheduled with 50 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) per vessel for the open periods of July 5-12 and July 16-31 with the revised quota of 1,975 Chinook.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of salmon being by species, the port of landing, the na09/18/2024 8:34 AMmated time of delive09/18/2024 8:34 AM="topicHEADERS">
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon California Border will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing for the remainder of June.
09/18/2024 8:34 AM09/18/2024 8:34 AMndings during the open period. This higher effort was primarily a result of very poor catches through May in all other areas in Oregon. The June quota of 1,500 Chinook was exceeded during the first nine open days of fishing (June 4-12) with a total of 1,511 Chinook landed. Managers will revisit the status of the fishery in late June to determine the number of fish that will need to be transferred from the July quota to cover the overage to the June quota. The July season will open as scheduled with 50 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) per vessel for the open periods of July 5-12 and July 16-31.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of salmon being by species, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- For the commercial troll salmon fishery North of the Queets River beginning Thursday, May 31 and continuing through Monday, June 4: This area will re-open to salmon trolling with an open period limit of 35 Chinook per vessel. Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- For the commercial troll salmon fishery from the Queets River to Leadbetter Pt., WA, beginning Thursday, May 31: The weekly landining and possession limit is increased from 100 to 200 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday). Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- For the commercial troll salmon fishery from theLeadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR, beginning Thursday, May 31: The weekly landining and possession limit is increased from 50 to 100 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday). Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery. All vessels fishing N of Leadbetter Pt. must land their fish N of Leadbetter Pt.
- Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing is required for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271
RATIONALE: Through May 30 an estimated 6,938 Chinook have been landed out of the quota of 16,500 leaving 9,562 Chinook remaining to be caught. The area N of the Queets R. has only 1,214 Chinook remaining on the subarea cap in that zone. From Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon, only 32 Chinook have been landed on the subarea cap of 4,600. The adopted changes will allow for better access of fishery participants to the remaining quota, and still maintain appropriate management control to insure that caps and the overall quota are not exceeded.
The 2018 ocean salmon regulations were published in the Federal Register on 4/30/18 and became effectve on on 5/1/2018.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met today in Astoria, Oregon and took action to adopt the suite of ocean recreational and commercial troll salmon seasons that were recently developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. In addition, the terminal area recreational and commercial fall Chinook seasons were adopted by the Commission for ocean waters adjacent to both the Elk River and the Chetco River.
Details are available at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/regulations/regindex.asp
The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for ocean salmon seasons on Tuesday, April 10. Draft copies of the adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website in the near future (www.pcouncil.org), and graphics of the recreational and commercial troll seasons will also be available on www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/ by Thursday, April 12. Seasons are not official until being given final approval by the Secretary of Commerce, and adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
The adopted regulations reflect the continuing relatively low abundances for numerous ocean salmon populations. The Rogue River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook
populations both have shown improvements in the last year, and are expected to provide for improved Chinook salmon fishing this year off the Oregon Coast.
Recreational Season Summary:
Ocean waters off the Columbia River from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will be open for recreational salmon fishing from June 23 through the earlier of September 3 or quota with a hatchery mark selective coho quota of 21,000 and a Chinook guideline of 8,000. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have an adipose fin clip.
Recreational seasons on the central Oregon Coast (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.) opened for Chinook on March 15 and will continue through October 31 without interruption. Coho seasons will have quotas of 35,000 adipose fin-clipped coho in the hatchery mark selective season from June 30 through September 3, and an additional 3,500 coho quota in the September non-selective coho season that will be open each Friday and Saturday beginning on September 7 and continue through the earlier of September 29 or quota. In October, the recreational season will be restricted to salmon fishing only inside of the 40 fathom management line.
The area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border will be open for recreational Chinook from May 19 through August 26. A limited state waters fishery off the Chetco River in October will be considered by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in Astoria on April 20.
Commercial Troll Season Summary:
The commercial troll salmon seasons North of Cape Falcon will have a very limited coho salmon season again this year. The fishery will be managed by quotas, season length, and landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limits. The early Chinook only season will start on May 1 and continue through the earlier of June 30 or the overall quota of 16,500 Chinook or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 4,600 Chinook. The summer fishery from July 1 through the earlier of the overall Chinook quota of 11,000, the overall quota of 5,600 coho, or the Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 1,300 Chinook. Landing week limits of 50 Chinook and 10 adipose fin-clipped coho will be in effect. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all quota managed seasons.
From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the Chinook seasons will have a number of open periods throughout the season starting on May 4 (May 4-14, May 19-31, June 4-12, June 16-30, July 5-12, July 16-31, August 3-7, August 13-17, August 25-29, and September 1 through October 31). Beginning September 1, a 50 Chinook weekly limit (Thursday through Wednesday) will be in place, and the fishery will be limited to fishing only shoreward of the 40 fathom curve during the month of October.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA, the commercial troll fishery will be open for the same dates as listed for the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area from May through August (May 4-14, May 19-31, June 4-12, June 16-30, July 5-12, July 16-31, August 3-7, August 13-17, and August 25-29). However, monthly quotas of 1,500 in June, 2,000 in July, and 500 in August may result in seasons closing earlier in each month. Unused quota may be transferred forward to the next open quota period on an impact neutral basis. From June through August, landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limits of 50 Chinook will be in effect. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all quota managed seasons.
State waters fall Chinook terminal area fisheries are anticipated to be considered for waters adjacent to the Elk River and the Chetco River by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission at their meeting in Astoria on April 20.
Other Information:
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Commercial reporting requirements via phone or email remain in effect for all quota managed salmon seasons.
Questions should be directed to Eric Schindler at (541)867-0300 x252 or Justine Kenyon-Benson at (541)867-0300 x271.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met this morning in Rohnert Park, California and have taken the following in-season management action to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through April 30.
(2) The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through April 30.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this closure was needed to reduce impacts on both Klamath River fall Chinook and Sacramento River fall Chinook in order to provide adequate opportunity as requested from fishery participants throughout the remainder of the fishing seasons that are currently under development. The forecast abundance for a number of Chinook salmon populations that contribute to fisheries South of Cape Falcon are forecast at poor to fair abundances.
Seasons from May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 5-11 in Portland, Oregon.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met this morning in Rohnert Park, California and have taken the following in-season management action to the scheduled March and April recreational ocean Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN: The planned ocean Chinook salmon (all-salmon-except coho) season will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. from March 15 through April 30, 2018. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with a minimum size of 24” for Chinook and a minimum size of 20” for steelhead. Within 15 fathoms of depth off Tillamook between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock all retained Chinook must have a healed fin clip.
RATIONALE: The recreational ocean fishery off Oregon in March and April has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2018 fishing year. Seasons from May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019 are cur09/18/2024 8:34 AM final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 5-11 in Portland, Oregon.
Seasons from May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 5-11 in Portland, Oregon.
The 2018 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2018. This pre-season planning meeting will provide a review of the 2017 seasons, take a first look at the 2018 salmon forecasts, and develop a set of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport, OR.
The OSIG meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2018 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM with presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM,. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in January and February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma in Rohnert Park, California (One DoubleTree Drive, Rohnert Park, CA) from March 8-14. This first PFMC meeting in Rohnert Park will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel (8235 Northeast Airport Way, Portland, OR) from April 5-11 (Note: Final action on the salmon seasons is tentatively scheduled for April 10). More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The Chetco State Waters commercial troll terminal area fishery from Twin Rocks to the OR/CA Border will reopen to Chinook Salmon fishing for two days: Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27, 2017. Limits remain at a single daily landing and possession limit of 5 Chinook per vessel.
RATIONALE: The Chetco River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open on a split season from October 9-13, and then from October 16 through the earlier of October 31 with a quota of 300 Chinook Salmon and a daily landing and possession limit of 5 Chinook per vessel. Through October 13 total landings in the fishery were estimated at 230 Chinook. It was anticipated that the quota would be approached by Tuesday October 17, and the season was closed with that expectation. However, catch rates dropped substantially on the last two open days of October 16-17 with a combined total of 32 Chinook landed in the two days and a season total of 262 Chinook (87% of the quota).
It is anticipated that this reopening for two days will bring the season total closure to the target quota without risk of substantially exceeding the quota. Several boats that were participating in this season have reportedly ended fishing for the year.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The Chetco State Waters commercial troll terminal area fishery from Twin Rocks to the OR/CA Border closes to all salmon fishing effective 11:59 PM, Tuesday, October 17, 2017.
RATIONALE: The Chetco River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open on a split season from October 9-13, and then from October 16 through the earlier of October 31 with a quota of 300 Chinook Salmon and a daily landing and possession limit of 5 Chinook per vessel. Through October 13 total landings in the fishery were estimated at 230 Chinook. Based on recent days catches, it was anticipated that the quota would be approached by Tuesday night, and that the fishery would need to close at that time.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.
ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Coho Salmon in the recreational ocean salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. closes effective 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 7. Angling for Chinook Salmon remains open through October within this area
RATIONALE: The non mark-selective coho season opened on Saturday, September 2 nd on an adjusted quota of 7,900 Coho Salmon. The season was slated to run through the earlier of the quota or September 30. The fishery opened with fair to excellent ocean conditions and good catch rates were observed in most ports within the open area. Through Labor Day an estimated 5,751 coho had been landed (73% of the quota). Preliminary estimates for Tuesday were that another 845 coho had been landed, taking the total to 83%of the quota.
Weather conditions are predicted to reduce fishing effort and catch on Wednesday, but reasonable ocean conditions were forecast to return on Thursday. All indications are that the quota is at risk of being exceeded by Thursday night, and retention of coho will close effective Thursday night.
Retention of all salmon except coho remains open through October 31, 2017 from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. Note that during the month of October, salmon angling is only allowed shoreward of the 40 fathom regulatory line.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational ocean salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain:
ACTION TAKEN: An impact neutral transfer of the remaining coho quota from the June 24-July 31 mark selective coho fishery to the September non mark selective coho fishery was approved. This transfer resulted in an increase of 1,900 coho in the September 2-30 Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. recreational non mark selective Coho quota.
RATIONALE: The preseason intent in the ocean salmon season development was to allow for any remaining quota from the summer mark selective season to be transferred to the September non mark selective season on an impact neutral basis for critical stocks. There were 11,814 Coho Salmon remaining on the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. recreational mark selective quota of 18,000 coho. This resulted in a modeled conversion that resulted in 1,900 coho being added to the September non mark selective season, and a resulting increase in the September quota from 6,000 to 7,900 Coho Salmon.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from both the commercial troll salmon fishery and the recreational ocean salmon fishery, tribal representatives, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the salmon fisheries in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), the 2017 ocean recreational ocean salmon fishing season closes effective 11:59 PM on Tuesday, August 22nd.
- Within the Westport Ocean Salmon Management Area (Queets River, Washington to Leadbetter Point, Washington), the 2017 ocean recreational ocean salmon fishing season closes effective 11:59 PM on Tuesday, August 22nd.
- A transfer of 500 coho was made from the commercial troll salmon fishery quota in the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon area to the Columbia River Ocean Area ocean recreational coho quota. Resulting in a reduction in the commercial troll quota from 3,000 to 2,500.
- A transfer of 1,027 coho was made from the Westport Area ocean recreational coho quota to the Columbia River Ocean Area quota, reducing the Westport Area quota to a revised quota of 17,113 coho.
- The result of the two transfers to the Columbia River Ocean Area is an increase to the coho quota in this area from 21,000 to 22,527 coho.
- Any coho and Chinook remaining after Tuesday from the Westport and Columbia River Ocean Area quotas and guidelines will be transferred back to the commercial troll fishery.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The Coho Salmon quota in the Columbia River Ocean Area is forecast to be met by Sunday night. By making coho quota transfers from Westport and the commercial troll fishery, the fishery is not expected to reach the quota in either Westport or the Columbia River Ocean areas prior to the end of the day on Tuesday, August 22nd. Cooperation between the recreational and commercial fishing representatives was key in allowing for more flexibility and an orderly transition in closing the ocean recreational fishery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from both the commercial troll salmon fishery and the recreational ocean salmon fishery, tribal representatives,and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the salmon fisheries in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: A transfer of 2,600 coho was made from the commercial troll salmon fishery quota in the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon area to the Westport Area ocean recreational coho quota. Resulting in a reduction in the commercial troll quota from 5,600 to 3,000; and an increase in the Westport recreational coho quota from 15,540 to 18,140.
RATIONALE: Landings of coho in the Westport area recreational fishery had accelerated quickly over the last three weeks. Based on the most recent forecast, there was a potential that the coho quota would be met sometime over the coming weekend. In order to provide for a more orderly fishery, the commercial troll fishery agreed to release 2,600 coho from their quota to keep the Westport recreational fishery open through at least the middle of next week. The commercial fishery has been focused on Chinook harvest and had only landed 509 coho along with 6,661 Chinook through August 9. The commercial troll fishery has 2,491 coho remaining on the revised quota.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: A rollover of Chinook remaining from the May - June troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon was made to the July - September troll salmon fishery in the same area. This results in a 2,205 Chinook net increase to the July-September troll fishery quota of 18,000 Chinook resulting in a revised quota of 20,205 Chinook.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels within IPHC area 2A closes at 11:59 PM tonight, Thursday, August 3, 2017. All Pacific Halibut on troll vessels must be landed and delivered by 11:59 PM, Friday, August 4, 2017..
RATIONALE: Total Pacific Halibut landings from the commercial troll salmon fishery through August 2nd were estimated to total 39,054 lbs out of the quota of 39,810 lbs leaving only 2% of the quota remaining (756 lbs).
The recreational mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain closes at 11:59 pm on Monday, July 31. The recreational season does continue for Chinook through October 31. Note that in October all salmon fishing will be limited to shoreward of the 40 fathom regulatory line. The recreational non mark selective coho season will reopen on September 2nd for all salmon (no fin clip restriction for coho) and continue through the earlier of the quota of 6,000 coho or September 30.
The September coho quota may be increased by an impact neutral rollover from the remaining quota from the June-July mark selective coho season. The process to assess the rollover will likely occur in late August. This will require both a calculation of the appropriate rollover amount and agreement to make the rollover by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- For the commercial troll salmon fishery North of the Queets River beginning Friday, July 21: The open period limit is increased to 75 Chinook and 10 adipose fin clipped coho per vessel per each Friday through Tuesday open period. Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- For the commercial troll salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon, OR, beginning on Friday, July 21: The fishery will be open 7 days per week with a Monday-Sunday weekly possession limit of 150 Chinook and 10 adipose fin clipped coho per vessel. Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery, and are reminded that any fish remaining on board after each Sunday count against the next weekly period..
- Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing is required for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271
RATIONALE: During the first three open periods a total of 2,548 Chinook out of the quota of 18,000 have been taken leaving 15,242 Chinook to be caught. The adopted changes will allow for better access of fishery participants to the remaining quota..
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels within IPHC area 2A will be reduced to no more than 10 Pacific Halibut per trip with a Chinook ratio requirement of 1 Pacific Halibut per 4 Chinook plus 1 Pacific Halibut beginning at 12:01 AM Saturday, July 1, 2017.
RATIONALE: Total Pacific Halibut landings from the commercial troll salmon fishery through June 18 are estimated at 26,907 lbs. out of the quota of 39,810 lbs. (adjusted for head-off, and ice and slime deductions). With approximately 30% of the quota remaining, action was taken to allow for the incidental take to continue into the summer at a reduced rate.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met today in Klamath Falls, Oregon and took action to adopt the suite of ocean recreational and commercial troll salmon seasons that were recently developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. In addition, the terminal area recreational and commercial fall Chinook seasons were adopted by the Commission for ocean waters adjacent to both the Elk River and the Chetco River.
Details are available at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/regulations/regindex.asp
The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for ocean salmon seasons on Tuesday, April 11. Draft copies of the adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website in the near future (www.pcouncil.org). Seasons are not official until being given final approval by the Secretary of Commerce, and adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
The adopted regulations reflect the continuing poor forecasts for numerous ocean salmon populations. These salmon have variously been affected by several years of extreme drought conditions in California, and by poor ocean conditions resulting from a recent El Nino event along the Pacific Coast.
For the recreational ocean salmon fishery ocean waters off the Columbia River will be open for the period of June 24 through the earlier of September 4 or quota with a hatchery mark selective coho quota of 21,000 and a Chinook guideline of 13,200. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have an adipose fin clip.
Recreational seasons on the central Oregon Coast (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.) opened for Chinook on March 15 and will continue through October 31 without interruption. Coho seasons will have reduced quotas of 18,000 fin-clipped coho in the hatchery mark selective season from June 24 through July 31, and an additional 6,000 coho quota in the September non-selective coho season that will open on September 2 and continue through the earlier of September 30 or quota. In October, the recreational season will be restricted to salmon fishing only inside of the 40 fathom management line.
The area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border will be closed to all recreational salmon fishing in 2017. A limited state waters fishery off the Chetco River in October will be considered by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in Klamath Falls on April 21.
The commercial troll salmon seasons North of Cape Falcon will have a very limited coho salmon season this year. The Chinook quotas will be slightly improved over the 2016 season. The fishery will also be managed by season length, open periods, and open period landing limits. From Cape Falcon to the Florence South Jetty the Chinook seasons will have a number of open periods throughout the season, weekly landing limits during the fall period, and will be limited to fishing only shoreward of the 40 fathom curve during September and October.
All waters from the Florence South Jetty to the OR/CA are closed to commercial salmon trolling. State waters fall Chinook terminal area fisheries will be considered for waters adjacent to the Elk River and the Chetco River by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission at their meeting in Klamath Falls on April 21.
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Commercial reporting requirements via phone or email remain in effect for all quota managed salmon seasons.
Questions should be directed to Eric Schindler at (541)867-0300 x252 or Jason Edwards at (541)867-0300 x271.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California, and fishery representatives met this morning in Sacramento, California and have taken the following in-season management action to the scheduled April 15 commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on April 15 in the area from the Florence South Jetty to Humbug Mt. will close to commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of April 15-30.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this closure was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook. The forecast abundance of Klamath River fall Chinook is extremely low, and most other Chinook salmon populations that contribute to fisheries South of Cape Falcon are forecast at poor to fair abundances.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California, and fishery representatives met this morning in Vancouver, Washington and have taken the following in-season management action to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through at least April 14.
(2) The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing until further notice.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this closure was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in other season options that are currently under development. The forecast abundance of Klamath River fall Chinook is extremely low, and most other Chinook salmon populations that contribute to fisheries South of Cape Falcon are forecast at poor to fair abundances.
Within the commercial troll salmon season alternatives which are still in development, there are two potential April 15 openings: (1) Cape Falcon to the Florence South Jetty, and (2) Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. These two early season alternatives are anticipated to be included with the season alternatives that will be considered early in the April PFMC meeting in Sacramento, California.
Seasons from May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Sacramento, California on April 6 through April 10.
The season for Chinook salmon in ocean waters from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will open as scheduled for the period of March 15, 2017 through April 30, 2017. This season is open for all salmon except Coho Salmon, with a bag limit of two salmon per day, and minimum sizes of 24 inches total length for Chinook Salmon, and 20 inches total length for steelhead.
Anglers are restricted to no more than two single point barbless hooks when fishing for salmon, and when fishing for any other species if a salmon is on board the vessel.
Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped Chinook Salmon may be retained or on board while fishing prior to August 1.
Seasons from May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Sacramento, California from April 6 through April 10.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's 2017 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2017. This pre-season planning meeting will provide an early look at the 2017 salmon forecasts, and develop Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held at the Best Western - Agate Beach, 3019 N. Coast Hwy, Newport, Oregon.
The OSIG meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2017 ocean salmon seasons. During the morning session staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations. Following a break for lunch, ODFW staff will work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to take forward to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM with the presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between approximately 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in January and February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington March 7-13 (301 W. Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA). The meeting in Vancouver will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Sacramento, California April 6-12 (2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA). More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.
OSIG Attachments will be posted at the end of this notice as they come available in January and February. All information should be treated as preliminary, and readers should recognize that updated forecasts and information may be made available in future documents from the Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: Beginning Wednesday, October 26, the daily landing and possession limit is increased to 10 Chinook Salmon per vessel in the commercial troll ocean Chinook Salmon fishery within the Chetco River Terminal Area between Twin Rocks and the Oregon/California border. This change will remain in effect through the scheduled close of the season on October 31.
RATIONALE: The Chetco River Fall Chinook commercial troll season opened October 10 with a quota of 300 Chinook Salmon and a daily landing and possession limit of 5 Chinook per vessel. Through October 23 total landings in the fishery stand at 103 Chinook. In order to allow better access to the remaining quota the daily landing limit was increased.
Troll fishermen are reminded of the mandatory reporting within this fishery to 541-867-0300 ext. 252 or to KMZOR.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- Within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), recreational ocean salmon fishing closes effective 11:59 PM on Saturday, August 27th.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The Coho Salmon quota in this area is expected to be met by the end of the day on Saturday, August 27th. Through Thursday, August 25th an estimated 17,460 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota of 18,900 Coho leaving only 1,440 Coho on the quota. Weekday catches have been averaging 733 Coho per day, and the quota is likely to be exceeded by Saturday night.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon: Effective Tuesday, August 16):
- Bag limit of 2 salmon may include up to 2 Chinook Salmon, all retained Coho Salmon must have a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: As of August 7 there were 7,009 Chinook remaining on the quota of 10,200, and fishery managers concluded that the risk of reaching the quota early by removing the 1 Chinook limitation and allowing 2 Chinook Salmon per angler was now low enough to allow for the change. The season will still close the earlier of August 31 or attainment of the Coho quota or the Chinook guideline.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the July and August commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- For the commercial troll salmon fishery North of Cape Falcon, OR, beginning on August 1: The open period limit is increased to 225 Chinook per vessel per open period. Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting within one hour of delivery or pl landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271
tal of 4,140 Chinook out of the t nder of scheduled in August (8/1-7 and 8/15-23), and limitrrent Chinoessarily. The increased limit should provide a more reasonable>p>
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the July and August commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- For the commercial troll salmon fishery between the Queets River, WA and Cape Falcon, OR, beginning on July 22: the open period limits in July and August are increased to 150 Chinook per vessel per open period. Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing is required for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271
RATIONALE: During the first opening a total of 3,810 Chinook out of the total quota of 21,000 Chinook were landed. This leaves a remainder of 18,492 Chinook on the quota. With only three remaining open periods scheduled in July and August (7/22-28, 8/1-7, and 8/15-23), and limited participation by the troll fleet, it is anticipated that the current Chinook open period limit of 80 Chinook would constrain landings unnecessarily. The increased limit should provide a more reasonable opportunity to harvest the quota. In addition, the open period limit for vessels fishing North of the Queets River was increased to 125 Chinook per open period.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.
ACTION TAKEN: The July quota in Humbug Mt. to OR/CA border is increased from 200 Chinook to 594 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of the remaining Chinook from the June quota to the July quota period.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The landings in June from the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border totaled 210 Chinook out of the June quota of 720 Chinook. This left a remainder of 510 Chinook from the June quota which modeled to a Klamath fall Chinook impact neutral rollover of 394 Chinook in July. The July quota period opened today (July 8) and will continue through the earlier of July 31 or attainment of the quota. Troll vessels are limited to a daily landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook within this area, and all landings are required to be reported within one hour of landing to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to KMZOR.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will reopen to commercial salmon troll fishing for all salmon except coho at 12:01 AM, Friday, June 10. The fishery will remain open through 11:59 PM, Thursday, June 16.
- Vessels are limited to an open period landing and possession limit of 65 Chinook per vessel, and must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
RATIONALE: Approximately 9,600 Chinook have been harvested from this fishery through the most recent open period out of the spring quota of 14,000 Chinook. This leaves 4,400 Chinook remaining on the quota.The adopted actions including the increase in the open period limit from 40 to 65 Chinook should better utilize the remaining quota and meet management objectives for this season. Fishery managers will reevaluate the landings next week to determine if changes to the open period or landing limits are needed prior to the next scheduled open period.
Note: Additional area closures, open period limitations, and reporting requirements were adopted for areas N. of the Queets River in Washington.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met today in Bandon, Oregon and took action to adopt the suite of ocean recreational and commercial troll salmon seasons that were recently adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore. In addition, a number of terminal area recreational and commercial fall Chinook seasons were adopted by the Commission for ocean waters adjacent to both the Elk River and the Chetco River.
Details are available at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/regulations/regindex.asp
The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendation for ocean salmon seasons on Thursday, April 14. Draft copies of the adopted seasons can be viewed at http://www.pcouncil.org/2016/04/41865/draft-council-adopted-salmon-management-measures-for-may-2016-april-30-2017-ocean-salmon-fisheries-tables-including-press-release/ Seasons are not official until being signed by the Secretary of Commerce and adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters from 0-3 nautical miles.
The adopted regulations reflect the very challenging issues with poor forecasts for numerous ocean salmon populations. These salmon have variously been affected by several years of extreme drought conditions in California, and followed last year by poor ocean conditions resulting from the recent El Nino event along the Pacific Coast.
The commercial troll salmon seasons North of Cape Falcon will have no coho salmon quota this year, and Chinook quotas, season length, and open periods and open period limits. From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the Chinook seasons will have a number of closures throughout the season, reduced weekly landing limits during the fall period, and limited to fishing only in nearshore waters during October. While the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border will have reduced June and July quotas from recent years, no fishing allowed in August and September, reduced landing limits, and several additional closed periods in June and July.
For the recreational ocean salmon fishery the season in ocean waters off the Columbia River will be limited to the period of July 1 through August 31 with a hatchery mark selective coho quota of 18,900 and a Chinook quota of 10,200.
Recreational seasons on the central Oregon Coast from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opened for Chinook on March 15 and will continue through October 31 without interruption. Coho seasons will have reduced quotas of 26,000 fin-clipped coho in the hatchery mark selective season from June 25 through August 7, and in the September non-selective season that will open on September 3 and continue through the earlier of September 30 or the quota 7,500 coho.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border, the recreational Chinook season will open May 28 and continue through August 7, and then reopen for the Labor Day weekend on September 3-5. This area will also be open for the hatchery mark selective coho season from June 25 through the earlier of August 7 or the overall quota of 26,000 marked coho.
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Commercial reporting requirements via phone or email remain in effect for all quota managed seasons (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon, and Humbug Mt. to OR/CA in June and July).
Questions should be directed to Eric Schindler at (541)867-0300 x252 or Jason Edwards at (541)867-0300 x271.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, the State of California, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management action to modify the scheduled April commercial troll Chinook Salmon opening off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN: The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will remain closed to commercial troll salmon fishing through April 7th. The season for all salmon except coho will be open for commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of April 8-30.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this closure was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire; hooks are restricted to single point, single shank barbless hooks; and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.
Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin-clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing prior to August 1.
Seasons from May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 13.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, the State of California, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management action to modify the scheduled March 15 commercial troll Chinook Salmon opening off Oregon:
The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will NOT open for commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through March 31. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this closure was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire; hooks are restricted to single point, single shank barbless hooks; and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.
The remaining early season of April 1 through April 30 is still being reviewed and may be modified by further in-season action prior to the scheduled end of the current Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting on March 14.
Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin-clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing prior to August 1.
Seasons from May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 13.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, the State of California, and fishery representatives has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2015 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will be open as scheduled for the period of March 15, 2016 through April 30, 2016. This season is open for all salmon except Coho Salmon, with a bag limit of two salmon per day, and minimum sizes for Chinook Salmon at 24 inches or larger, and steelhead at 20 inches or larger.
Anglers are restricted to no more than two single point barbless hooks when fishing for salmon, and when fishing for any other species if a salmon is on board the vessel.
Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped Chinook Salmon may be retained or on board while fishing prior to August 1.
Seasons from May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 13.
1 Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have reviewed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Chetco River Terminal Area between Twin Rocks and the Oregon/California border will reopen to fishing for Tuesday, October 27 through Saturday, October 31th with a daily landing and possession limit of 10 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: The most recent two day opening on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 only resulted in landings of 29 Chinook. This leaves 71 Chinook on the quota of 600 Chinook. The number of participating boats has declined as of the most recent opening, ocean conditions will severely limit access, and the fishery is still expected to come in under the quota..
Troll fishermen are reminded of the mandatory reporting within this fishery to 541-867-0300 ext. 252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have reviewed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Chetco River Terminal Area between Twin Rocks and the Oregon/California border will reopen to fishing for two days on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th with a daily landing and possession limit of 10 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: The one day opening on Wednesday, October 21 only resulted in total landings of 23 Chinook. This leaves 100 Chinook on the quota of 600 Chinook. The number of participating boats had declined as of the most recent opening, and this two day opening is expected to come in within the quota. As usual, fishery managers will evaluate the total landings in the event that enough Chinook remain on the quota to reopen for another day of fishing.
Troll fishermen are reminded of the mandatory reporting within this fishery to 541-867-0300 ext. 252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have reviewed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Chetco River Terminal Area between Twin Rocks and the Oregon/California border will reopen to fishing for one day on Wednesday, October 21st with a single daily landing and possession limit of 10 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: The Chetco River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open for the period of October 12 through the earlier of October 31 or a quota of 600 landed Chinook, with a single daily possession and landing limit of 20 Chinook. High catches on Thursday, of last week indicated that the quota was in jeopardy of being exceeded by Saturday night, and the fishery was closed at the end of the day on Saturday. Actual catches on Friday and Saturday came in much lower than anticipated, and approximately 100 Chinook remain to be caught and allowed the flexibility to add another day of fishing. In order to reduce any potential risk to exceeding the quota, the daily landing limited was reduced to 10 Chinook per vessel for the single day of fishing. As usual, fishery managers will evaluate the total landings in the event that enough Chinook remain on the quota to reopen for another day of fishing.
Troll fishermen are reminded of the mandatory reporting within this fishery to 541-867-0300 ext. 252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Chetco River Terminal Area between Twin Rocks and the Oregon/California border will close to fishing effective 11:59PM on Saturday, October 17, 2015.
RATIONALE: The Chetco River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open for the period of October 12 through the earlier of October 31 or a quota of 600 landed Chinook, with a single daily possession and landing limit of 20 Chinook. After the first four open days of fishing, 60% of the quota had been taken, with the most recent two fishing days accounting for 44% of the overall quota. At that rate, the quota is likely to be met sometime on Saturday. As usual, fishery managers will evaluate the total landings in the unexpected event that enough Chinook remain on the quota to reopen for another day.
Troll fishermen are reminded of the mandatory reporting within this fishery to 541-867-0300 ext. 252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Convert the remaining 12,828 mark selective Coho Salmon quota less the remaining cap of 1,654 Coho Salmon from the areas N. of the Queets River to a non-mark selective Coho quota. The conversion results in a non-mark selective Coho quota for the Westport and Columbia River Areas (Queets River, WA to Cape Falcon, OR) of 6,100 Coho.
- Open for the final fishing period of Friday, September 18 through Tuesday, September 22 with open period landing and possession limits of 40 Chinook Salmon and 80 Coho Salmon (no fin clip restriction) for the areas South of the Queets River. Vessels fishing North of the Queets River are limited to 40 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon. Vessels fishing North of Leadbetter Point, WA may not fish or transit above the Queets River if they are in possession of any non-marked Coho Salmon or in possession of more than 50 marked Coho Salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: During the most recent open period very little catch occurred due to weather conditions, leaving a remainder of 1,232 Chinook on the quota, and 12,828 Coho on the quota. Best utilization of the remaining Coho quota was determined to be to convert the remaining quota on an impact neutral basis to a non-mark selective Coho fishery South of the Queets River. Due to limitations on other critical stocks North of the Queets it was not practical to go to a non-selective fishery in that area. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: Beginning Friday, September 4 in the ocean recreational salmon fishery within the area from Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR; Coho Salmon may be retained without a fin clip with a revised quota of 15,300.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are currently 39,127 Coho remaining on the fin clipped quota of 79,400 Coho. By converting the remaining fin clipped Coho Salmon quota to a non selective fishery it resulted in a revised remaining quota of 15,300 Coho.
Anglers are reminded that they must be in compliance with both the area they are fishing and what they have already retained on board. Currently the Columbia River is closed to retention of Chinook, and only open for adipose fin-clipped Coho and steelhead. Anglers are not allowed to fish for Coho or steelhead inside the Columbia River upstream from Buoy 10 with either a Chinook Salmon or non-clipped Coho Salmon in possession. Anglers should also be familiar with the boundaries of the Columbia River Control Zone as no salmon fishing is allowed within the control zone.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, September 4 through Tuesday, September 8 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 40 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The fishery most recently had been operating with a 35 Chinook per open period limit, during the most recent open period very little catch occurred due to weather conditions, leaving a remainder of 2,447 Chinook on the quota. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
The ocean troll salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. and from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border closes at midnight tonight. The area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will reopen for the period of September 2-30 with 60 Chinook per landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Saturday, August 29, the daily bag limit in ocean waters from Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR may include up to 2 Chinook Salmon in the total 2 salmon daily limit. All Coho Salmon must have a healed adipose fin-clip.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are 8,632 Chinook remaining on the quota of 15,700, and fishery managers concluded that the risk of reaching the quota early by allowing 2 Chinook Salmon per angler was now low enough to allow for the change.
Anglers are reminded that they must be in compliance with both the area they are fishing and what they have already retained on board. Currently the Columbia River allows retention of only one fin-clipped Chinook within the two salmon daily bag limit. Anglers are not allowed to fish within the Columbia River upstream from Buoy 10 with a non-clipped Chinook Salmon in possession.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, August 28 through Tuesday, September 1 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 35 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The fishery had been operating with a 75 Chinook per open period limit since July 10, and was reduced to 50 Chinook per open period two weeks ago, and then most recently to 40 Chinook per open period. Landings during the most recent open period were 1,965 Chinook on the adjusted quota of 27,830 Chinook, leaving a remainder of 2,931 Chinook on the quota. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, August 21 through Tuesday, August 25 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 40 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The fishery had been operating with a 75 Chinook per open period limit since July 10, and was reduced to 50 per open period last week. Landings during the most recent open period were 2,393 Chinook on the adjusted quota of 27,830 Chinook, leaving a remainder of 4,922 Chinook on the quota. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas South of the US/Canada Border closes effective 11:59 PM Thursday, August 20. Vessels in possession of any Pacific Halibut must cease fishing for salmon until all Pacific Halibut have been offloaded. All Pacific Halibut must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59PM Friday, August 21.
RATIONALE: The quota is projected to have less than 0.8% remaining as of the start of this week.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational ocean salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.
ACTION TAKEN: An impact neutral transfer of a portion of these Coho resulted in an increase of 8,200 Coho in the September 4-30 Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. recreational non mark selective Coho quota. This increased the quota for this season from 12,500 to 20,700 Coho Salmon.
RATIONALE: The preseason intent in the ocean salmon season development was to allow for any remaining quota from the summer mark selective season to be transferred to the September non mark selective season on an impact neutral basis for critical stocks. There were 40,086 Coho Salmon remaining on the Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border recreational mark selective quota of 55,000 Coho. This resulted in a modeled conversion that resulted in 8,200 Coho being added to the September non mark selective season, and a resulting increase in the September quota from 12,500 to 20,700 Coho Salmon.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, August 14 through Tuesday, August 18 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 50 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The fishery has been operating with a 75 Chinook per open period limit since July 10. Landings during the most recent open period were 3,960 Chinook on the adjusted quota of 27,830 Chinook, leaving a remainder of 6,669 Chinook on the quota. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
On August 5, 2015, the National Marine Fisheries Service finalized rules to correct an oversight in prior adopted regulations that prohibited retention of Highly Migratory Species such as albacore on the same trip with salmon species or Pacific halibut. The changes are included in 50 CFR Part 660 and the notice can be found in the Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 150 / Wednesday, August 5, 2015 pages 46519-20. The change to the regulations clarifies that vessels may combine trips for salmon and HMS species or Pacific halibut if they meet all the regulatory requirements for each fishery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The August quota in Humbug Mt. to OR/CA border is increased from 500 Chinook to 772 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of the remaining July quota to the August period.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The landings in July from the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border were estimated to total 813 Chinook out of the total adjusted July quota of 1,184 fish. This left a remainder of 371 Chinook from the July quota which modeled to an impact neutral rollover on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook of 272 Chinook in August.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels within IPHC area 2A are limited to no more than 2 Pacific Halibut per trip effective 12:01 AM Friday, August 7, 2015. The Chinook ratio requirement of 1 Pacific Halibut per 4 Chinook plus 1 Pacific Halibut remains in effect, so any vessel landing 2 Pacific Halibut must also be landing a minimum of 4 Chinook Salmon.
RATIONALE: Total Pacific Halibut landings from the commercial troll salmon fishery are estimated at 26,998 lbs. out of the quota of 29,035 lbs. (adjusted for head-off, and ice and slime deductions). With only 2,037 lbs. estimated remaining on the quota, action was required to help insure that the quota was not exceeded.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, July 10 through Tuesday, July 14 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 75 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon in the areas south of the Queets River, or 60 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon from areas north of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The first open period with a 50 Chinook landing and possession limit resulted in an estimated 2,569 Chinook being landed out of the quota of 26,800 (9.6% of the quota). Bumping up the Chinook open period limits slightly should help to insure that the fishery has adequate opportunity to catch the Chinook quota. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The July quota in Humbug Mt. to OR/CA border is increased from 1,000 Chinook to 1,184 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of the remaining June quota to the July period.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The landings in June from the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border were estimated to total 1,528 Chinook out of the total June quota of 1,800 fish. This left a remainder of 272 Chinook from the June quota which modeled to an impact neutral rollover on age-4 Klamath River fall Chinook of 184 Chinook in July.
NOAA Fisheries has provided notice that the
retention of Pacific halibut caught incidental to the commercial salmon fishery by fishers holding IPHC licenses will continue after June 30 with no change in landing limits or other restrictions, until further notice.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River, WA to Cape Falcon, OR will close to all commercial troll salmon fishing effective 11:59 PM Thursday, June 25.
- Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of this closure.
RATIONALE: During the last week fishing conditions and Chinook salmon availability resulted in a spike in catches, most notably just off Westport, WA. Estimated total landings are very close to the overall quota of 40,200 Chinook. With limited remaining days, any remainder from this quota will be transferred to the July 1- September 22 season on an impact neutral basis.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt., OR to the OR/CA border will close to all commercial salmon troll fishing at 11:59 PM, Friday, June 26.
- Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of this closure within this area or into Port Orford.
- Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings from this fishery at 541/867-0300 x252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
RATIONALE: As of Wednesday night an estimated 1,424 Chinook have been landed out of the June quota of 1,800, leaving 376 Chinook remaining. Although landings in the most recent three days have averaged 360 Chinook per day, weather conditions on Thursday and Friday are expected to significantly reduce participation by boats for the remaining open time period. Any Chinook remaining from the June quota will be added to the 1,000 Chinook July quota for this area on an impact neutral basis.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the upcoming July opening of the commercial troll salmon fishery within the Oregon Klamath Management Zone in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt., OR to the OR/CA border will open for all salmon except coho during the month of July with the following season structure:
- Open July 1-2 with a daily landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook per boat per day.
- Closed July 3-4.
- Open July 5 through the earlier of quota or July 31 with a daily landing and possession limit of 25 Chinook per boat per day.
- Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery, and all fish must be landed within the area or into Port Orford.
- Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings from this fishery at 541/867-0300 x252 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will reopen to commercial salmon troll fishing for all salmon except coho at 12:01 AM, Friday, June 19. The fishery will be open on a Friday through Tuesday cycle through the earlier of June 30 or additional action.
- Vessels are limited to an open period landing and possession limit of 80 Chinook per vessel, and must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
RATIONALE: Approximately 9,550 Chinook have been harvested from the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area out of the spring maximum cap for this area of 15,000, leaving 5,450 Chinook remaining at this time. In addition, out of the total quota, there are 15,360 Chinook remaining. The remaining cap is expected to be sufficient to support this opening, and managers will revisit the fishery early next week to evaluate whether changes need to be made to the final potential open period.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will reopen to commercial salmon troll fishing for all salmon except coho at 12:01 AM, Friday, June 5. The fishery will be open on a Friday through Tuesday cycle through the earlier of June 30 or additional action.
- Vessels are limited to an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook per vessel, and must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of any closure in this fishery.
- Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
RATIONALE: Approximately 9,800 Chinook have been harvested from the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area out of the spring maximum cap for this area of 15,000. By limiting vessels to no more than 40 Chinook per open period, the fishery can continue for this open period without risk of exceeding the cap. Fishery managers will reevaluate the landings next week to determine if changes to the landing cap are needed prior to the next scheduled open period.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will close to all commercial salmon troll fishing at 11:59 PM, Friday, May 29. All salmon caught within this area must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM, Saturday, May 30.
Vessels in possession of salmon caught between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
Next week, fishery managers will discuss the potential for reopening this area on Friday-Tuesday open periods with landing limits.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met today in Bend, Oregon and took action to adopt the suite of ocean recreational and commercial troll salmon seasons that were recently adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.. In addition, a number of terminal area recreational and commercial fall Chinook seasons were adopted by the Commission for ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay, the Elk River, and the Chetco River.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has adopted a set of final ocean salmon fishery seasons. These seasons must still be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, as well as the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission before becoming law. The final PFMC proposed commercial and sport regulations are available on the PFMC website.
A graphic summary of the commercial seasons proposed off Oregon is available: Oregon Troll Seasons (pdf). Troll fishers are advised to make sure to print and review the full regulation package from the PFMC website prior to fishing.
A graphic summary of the recreational seasons proposed is available here: Oregon Sport Seasons (pdf) and a synopsis of the proposed regulations is available in this Sport Season Regulation Summary (pdf).
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management action to modify the previously scheduled March 15 commercial troll Chinook Salmon opening off Oregon:
The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will NOT open for commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through March 31. The area will open for commercial troll for Chinook Salmon fishing within this area for the period of April 1 - 30. Fishery managers agreed that this was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire; hooks are restricted to single point, single shank barbless hooks; and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.
Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin-clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing prior to August 1.
Seasons from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Rohnert Park, California by April 15.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2014 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will occur as scheduled for the period of March 15, 2015 through April 30, 2015. This season is open for all salmon except Coho Salmon, with a bag limit of two salmon per day, and minimum sizes for Chinook Salmon at 24 inches or larger, and steelhead at 20 inches or larger.
Anglers are restricted to no more than two single point barbless hooks when fishing for salmon, and when fishing for any other species if a salmon is on board the vessel.
Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin-clipped Chinook Salmon may be retained or on board while fishing prior to August 1.
Seasons from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Rohnert Park, California by April 15.
The 2015 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2015. This pre-season planning meeting will provide an early look at the 2015 salmon forecasts, and develop Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport.
The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2015 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to take forward to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM with the presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with a no-host lunch available at the Hallmark. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in January and February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington from March 6-12 (301 W. Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA). The meeting in Vancouver will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma in Rohnert Park, California from April 10-16 (One DoubleTree Drive, Rohnert Park, CA). More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- Within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), recreational ocean salmon fishing closes effective 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 21, 2014.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The Coho Salmon quota in this area is expected to be met by the end of the day on Sunday, September 21. Recently a transfer of 1,000 non selective Coho from this area was made to the Westport area in order to keep the salmon season open in that area. The Westport area will close to recreational ocean salmon fishing at the end of the day on Friday, September 19. Through a series of shifts of Coho remaining from other commercial and recreational seasons, the 1,000 Coho that had been transferred to Westport has been returned to the Columbia River Area so the full quota within this area was restored back to 10,750 Coho, and then an additional transfer of Coho remaining from the commercial troll salmon fishery resulted in a final non-selective Coho quota of 13,100.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt..
ACTION TAKEN:
- Cape Falcon, Oregon to Humbug Mountain, Oregon: Retention of Coho Salmon closes effective 11:59 PM on Friday, September 19, 2014. Retention of all salmon except Coho remains open through October 31, 2014 within this area.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The non selective Coho Salmon fishery opened in this area on August 30 under an adjusted quota of 35,000 Coho. The season was scheduled to run through the earlier of September 30 or the quota.
The Labor Day Weekend opening presented anglers with optimal ocean conditions and hungry Coho. Fishing has remained excellant through this season with catch rates over a salmon per angler from Newport north throughout the season. Coho catches through Sunday, September 14 totaled 29,500 leaving 5,500 remaining on the quota. Forecasts for catches this week indicated that the quota would be exceeded if the season remained open past Friday.
The recreational Chinook Salmon season remains open through October 31 within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. Anglers are reminded to be careful in identifying their catch correctly to species.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas South of the US/Canada Border closes effective 11:59PM Thursday, September 11. Vessels in possession of any Pacific Halibut must cease fishing for salmon until all Pacific Halibut have been offloaded. All Pacific Halibut must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59PM Friday, September 12.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, September 12 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 16 (this is the final open period for the 2014 ocean salmon seasons).
- Open period landing and possession limits of 15 Chinook Salmon and 200 Coho Salmon (no fin clip requirement) for all areas south of the Queets River to Cape Falcon; and 15 Chinook Salmon and 20 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas north of the Queets River.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are an estimated 843 Chinook remaining on the quota for all areas North of Cape Falcon, but there are 7,287 Coho remaining on the non-mark selective quota. The areas N. of the Queets River have a separate limitation on coho salmon impacts and are excluded from the non-selective coho salmon fishery.
Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Any vessels landing into Garibaldi must be in compliance with the landing and possession limits from both areas which means that no more than 15 Chinook and 15 coho (no more than one coho per Chinook) may be landed from North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi. In addition, any salmon landed into Garibaldi from the North of Cape Falcon fishery would apply against the landing week limits of 65 Chinook and 20 coho that are in effect for the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, has taken in-season actions with respect to the recreational ocean salmon quotas in the Westport and Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Areas.
ACTION TAKEN: The recreational non-selective ocean Coho Salmon quota in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon) will be reduced from 10,750 to 9,750. The Coho Salmon removed from this quota will be transferred to the Westport Ocean Salmon Management Area (Queets River to Leadbetter Pt.) resulting in a quota increase of 11,400 to 12,400.
RATIONALE: During the most recent week of fishing, anglers out of Westport had landed an estimated 5,388 Coho leaving only 6,012 on the quota. Anglers fishing within the Columbia River Area had landed 3,558 Coho leaving 7,142 Coho on the quota. This transfer is not expected to result in any reduction to the season length in the Columbia River Area, but will help insure that no management action is required in the Westport Area before next week.
Several questions have come up recently regarding the commercial troll salmon regulations. Please review the following for clarification, and if you have any questions please call the Marine Resources Program at (541)867-4741. In addition, landings from North of Cape Falcon are required to be reported to (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within an hour of delivery, and landings of coho from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. are required to be reported to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 within an hour of delivery.
The Federal salmon management regulations on landing in a management area that has different regulations in place such as weekly or open period limits, possession limits, size limits, etc. are detailed in the footnotes to the salmon regulations under C.1. PreSeason Report III
As in past seasons, the rule listed, C.1, specifies that "All salmon on board a vessel must meet the minimum size, landing/possession limit, or other special requirements for the area being fished and the area in which they are landed if the area is open or has been closed less than 96 hours for that species of salmon."
This rule applies to the current seasons in effect for both Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR area where the current open period (Friday-Tuesday) landing and possession limits are 15 Chinook and 100 coho (no fin clip restriction), and Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area where the current weekly (Wednesday-Tuesday) landing and possession limits are 65 Chinook and 20 coho (no fin clip restriction, but must have at least 1 Chinook for each coho in possession).
The effects of this regulation on a boat fishing North of Cape Falcon and delivering into Garibaldi are that:
- The maximum number of Chinook that could be caught and delivered would be 15 (due to the current North of Cape Falcon open period limit of 15 Chinook)
- The maximum number of coho that could be caught and delivered would be 15, and there must be at least 1 Chinook for each coho delivered
- Since both the Chinook and coho were also in possession South of Cape Falcon, they would also apply against the 65 Chinook and 20 coho weekly limit for the South of Cape Falcon area. This would reduce the vessel's remaining South of Cape Falcon weekly limit to 50 Chinook and 5 coho for the remainder of the Wed-Tues landing week, and the North of Cape Falcon open period limit to 0 Chinook (landed the full open period limit) and 85 coho in this scenario (100 coho open period limit minus 15 already landed)
For a boat fishing South of Cape Falcon and delivering North of Cape Falcon, the regulations have the following effects:
- The maximum number of Chinook that could be caught and delivered would be 15 (due to the North of Cape Falcon open period limit of 15 Chinook)
- The maximum number of coho that could be caught and delivered would be 15, and there must be at least 1 Chinook for each coho delivered
- Since both the Chinook and coho were also in possession North of Cape Falcon, they would apply against both the South of Falcon weekly limit of 65 Chinook and no more than 20 coho, and against the North of Cape Falcon 15 Chinook and 100 coho open period limits. This would reduce the remaining allowable North of Cape Falcon open period limit to 0 Chinook and 85 coho, and the South of Cape Falcon weekly limit to 50 Chinook and 5 coho in this scenario
A fisherman wishing to maximize landings would need to keep fishing trips and deliveries of fish completely separate for Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon area and the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area. A fisherman landing catch in either area may transport their catch by truck to a buyer in the other area and only the limits in the area where the fish were landed would be affected. Also note that the only port South of Cape Falcon where salmon from North of Cape Falcon may be landed is Garibaldi.
Landing week delivery requirement: In the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. area where the Wednesday through Tuesday landing week limitations are in effect, troll fishermen are reminded that any salmon not landed and delivered by Tuesday night count againt the future week's landing and possession limit as well as the current week. For example a vessel returns to port on Tuesday with 25 Chinook and 10 coho salmon, but is unable to offload the catch at the fish buyer until Wednesday morning. That vessel is now limited to 40 Chinook (65-25=40), and 10 coho (20-10=10) for the week starting that Wednesday.
Correct salmon ID: Rumors have surfaced that some buyers have incorrectly identified some coho salmon as Chinook. Troll fishermen are advised that if this occurs, they should correct the buyer or a violation may occur in the total weekly allowable catch. For example a troll fisherman lands 35 Chinook and 15 coho on Friday which would leave a balance of 30 Chinook and 5 coho on their weekly landing and possession limit. However, the buyer incorrectly identifies 10 of the purchased coho as Chinook, and the fish receiving ticket shows a landing of 45 Chinook and 5 coho. This would now leave only a balance of 20 Chinook and 15 coho for the remainder of the week.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing the U.S commercial fishery for Pacific bluefin tuna (PBF) effective on 5:00pm PDT, September 5, 2014.
Per the intent of the Final Rule (79 FR 28448, May 16, 2014) implementing PBF management measures, NMFS has closely monitored the U.S. commercial catch of PBF in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) to ensure that the U.S. catch limit is not exceeded.
Based on recent communications with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and fishery stakeholders, the U.S. commercial PBF fishery is expected to reach the 2014 catch limit. As a result, NMFS is closing the U.S. commercial PBF fishery in the EPO.
As of 5:00pm PDT on September 5, 2014, U.S. commercial vessels may not target, retain on board, transship, or land Pacific bluefin tuna in the IATTC Convention Area, or EPO, with the following exception: any PBF already on board may be retained, transshipped, and/or landed within 14 days of the closure, or September 19, 2014.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon: Effective Saturday, September 6):
- Bag limit may include up to 2 Chinook Salmon.
- Coho Salmon may be retained without a fin clip.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are 2,970 Chinook remaining on the quota of 13,100, and fishery managers concluded that the risk of reaching the quota early by allowing 2 Chinook Salmon per angler was now low enough to allow for the change. Similarly, converting the remaining fin clipped Coho Salmon quota to a non selective fishery resulted in a remaining quota of 10,750 Coho, and should be sufficient to allow fishing through the remainder of the month.
Anglers are reminded that they must be in compliance with both the area they are fishing and what they have already retained on board. Currently the Columbia River is closed to retention of Chinook, and only open for adipose fin-clipped Coho and steelhead. Anglers are not allowed to fish for Coho or steelhead inside the Columbia River upstream from Buoy 10 with either a Chinook Salmon or non-clipped Coho Salmon in possession.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, September 5 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 9 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday through September 16 unless modified by inseason action).
- Open period landing and possession limits of 15 Chinook Salmon and 100 Coho Salmon (no fin clip requirement) for all areas south of the Queets River to Cape Falcon; and 15 Chinook Salmon and 20 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas north of the Queets River.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: There are only 1,075 Chinook remaining on the quota for all areas North of Cape Falcon, but there are 19,489 Coho remaining on the mark selective quota. By converting the remaining Coho from the mark selective fishery South of the Queets River into non mark selective catch on an impact neutral basis, it allows for subarea allocations of 3,500 Coho to the Westport Ocean Salmon Managment Area (Queets River to Leadbetter Pt.) and 6,400 Coho to the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon). The open period limits are expected to keep the fishery within management guidelines for this open period, and will be adjusted as needed prior to the final open period scheduled for September 12 through 16.
Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, August 29 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, September 2 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday through September 16 unless modified by inseason action).
- Open period landing and possession limits of 20 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas south of the Queets River to Cape Falcon; and 20 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas north of the Queets River.
Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) In all areas North of Cape Falcon, Oregon retention of Pacific Halibut is limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 3 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip effective 12:01 AM Friday, August 22, 2014.
(2) Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas South of Cape Falcon, Oregon is limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 3 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip effective 11:59 PM Friday, August 22. Beginning 12:01 AM Saturday, August 23 any vessels in possession of more than 3 Pacific Halibut must cease all fishing activities until Pacific Halibut in excess of 3 have been landed and delivered. All Pacific Halibut, in excess of 3 per trip, must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM, Saturday, August 23, 2014.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, August 22 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, August 26 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice).
- Open period landing and possession limits of 35 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon for all areas South of the Queets River, and 35 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho for all areas North of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR. Mandatory reporting of delivery for all landings into Oregon at 541/867-0300 x271 within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational ocean salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.
ACTION TAKEN: There were 31,470 Coho Salmon remaining on the Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border recreational mark selective quota of 80,000 Coho. An impact neutral transfer of a portion of these Coho resulted in an increase of 15,000 Coho in the August 30 through September 30 Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. recreational non mark selective Coho quota. This increased the quota for this season from 20,000 up to 35,000 Coho Salmon.
RATIONALE: The preseason intent in the ocean salmon season development was to allow for any remaining quota from the summer mark selective season to bolster the September non mark selective season. It was also determined that the September season was unlikely to need more than 35,000 total Coho in September to continue through the entire month. Consideration would be given to transfer any excess quota above the recreational fishery needs for September to the commercial troll salmon fishery for incidental Coho retention during the September 3-30 portion of the remaining Chinook season. Commercial troll salmon vessels will be allowed no more than one Coho for each Chinook landed, up to a maximum of 20 Coho per week. The overall transfer from the summer recreational season resulted in 15,000 Coho added to the recreational quota, and a quota of 5,300 for the commercial troll salmon fishery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- A portion of the remaining June 21 - August 10 recreational mark selective Coho quota which was in excess of projected recreational fishery needs for the September season was transferred on an impact neutral basis to the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. troll fishery. This transfer results in a September troll quota in this area of 5,300 Coho Salmon (non mark selective).
- This season is structured to allow incidental Coho retention for vessels fishing for Chinook.
- Beginning September 3 and continuing through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 5,300 Coho; vessels may land one Coho for each Chinook landed up to a maximum landing week limit of 20 Coho (landing week defined as Wednesday through Tuesday).
- All vessels landing any Coho from this season are required to notify Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife of the landing within an hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252. Notification shall include the vessel name and number, number of Coho being landed, port of landing, location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border will re-open for Wednesday and Thursday August 20-21 with a single daily landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook per vessel.
A conference call will be scheduled early next week to assess the landings from this opening and consider whether any additional open days can occur.
Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
Through the most recent opening 348 Chinook had been landed leaving 232 Chinook on the August quota.
The commercial troll salmon season from Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR will continue for the next open period of Friday, August 15 through Tuesday, August 19 without any changes to the open period limits of 75 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.
ACTIONS TAKEN: The following actions have been taken in the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border scheduled to re-open August 13:
- The single daily landing and possession limit remains 15 Chinook per vessel
- The open days are adjusted to August 13-15 (Wednesday-Friday of this week only), and remain Wednesday and Thursday of each following week until further notice
- A conference call will be scheduled early next week to assess the landings from this opening and consider any additional changes needed
Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas open for Chinook Salmon trolling between the US/Canada Border and the US/Mexico Border are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 7 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. This change is effective 12:01 AM Friday, August 8..
RATIONALE: Roughly 2,400 lbs of Pacific Halibut remain on the incidental troll quota. An additional 4,000 lbs has been transferred from the remaining directed hook and line Pacific Halibut fishery quota resulting in a revised quota of approximately 6,400 lbs remaining. Pacific Halibut incidental landings have been relatively low in recent weeks. By increasing the landing cap up to 7 fish per trip, it is expected that the revised quota can be approached with minimal risk of exceeding it.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 AM, Friday, August 8 through 11:59 PM Tuesday, August 12 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice).
- Open period landing and possession limits of 75 Chinook Salmon and 150 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: Sufficient remaining catch is available on all quotas and caps to allow for this increase. Participating boats off Oregon have been landing more Coho than Chinook, while boats North of Leadbetter have had more success for Chinook than Coho. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, August 1through Tuesday, August 5 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice).
- Open period landing and possession limits of 50 Chinook Salmon and 80 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon south of the Queets R., or 50 Chinook Salmon and 50 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon from north of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: Overall landings have been lagging behind expectations due to reduced participation due to weather conditions and boats switching to fish Albacore Tuna. Sufficient remaining catch is available on all quotas and caps to allow for this increase. Participating boats off Oregon have been landing more Coho than Chinook, while boats off Northern Washington have primarily been doing just the opposite. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTION TAKEN: Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas open for Chinook Salmon trolling between the US/Canada Border and the US/Mexico Border are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut for each 4 Chinook Salmon except 1 Pacific Halibut may be possessed and landed without meeting the ratio, and no more than 3 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. This change is effective 12:01 AM Friday, July 25.
RATIONALE: Roughly 4,000 lbs of Pacific Halibut remain on the incidental troll quota. An additional 4,000 lbs will be transferred from the remaining directed hook and line Pacific Halibut fishery quota resulting in a revised quota of approximately 8,000 lbs remaining. Overall troll salmon effort has been decreasing concurrent with the arrival of Albacore Tuna in the area, and Pacific Halibut incidental landings have also been minimal in recent weeks. By increasing the landing cap up to 3 fish per trip, the revised quota can be approached with minimal risk to exceeding the quota.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.
ACTIONS TAKEN: The following actions have been taken in the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border scheduled to open August 6:
- The single daily landing limit is reduced to 15 Chinook per vessel
- The open days are adjusted to August 6-7 (Wednesday-Thursday), and each Wednesday and Thursday until further notice
- An impact neutral rollover from Chinook remaining from the June and July quotas increased the August quota from 500 Chinook to 580 Chinook
Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: Based on recent effort and catch rates in the June and July openings in this area, it was apparent that the August season could not be opened as planned without significant risk of exceeding the quota. By reducing the single daily landing limits and the open days for the fishery, the fishery should be able to proceed in an orderly manner while minimizing the risk of exceeding the quota.
Conference calls will be scheduled on Mondays to consider any possible needed changes or closure to this season.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 15 (and each subsequent Friday through Tuesday until further notice), with open period landing and possession limits of 35 Chinook Salmon and 60 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon south of the Queets R., or 35 Chinook Salmon and 40 adipose fin-clipped Coho Salmon from north of the Queets River. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The first open period with a 60 Chinook landing and possession limit resulted in 27% of the Chinook quota being landed. Without a significant reduction in the Chinook limit, the fishery has a high risk of closing prior to the season target of at least August 19. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
The July commercial troll Chinook Salmon season from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon / California Border has less than 100 Chinook remaining on the adjusted July quota of 574 Chinook. The remainder of the quota will be added to the August quota on an impact neutral basis.
In late July, fishery managers plan to meet by conference call to discuss changes to the August fishery including open dates and adjustments to the landing and possession limits.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.
ACTIONS TAKEN: The following actions have been taken in the commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border scheduled to open July 1:
- The single daily landing limit is reduced to 15 Chinook per vessel
- The open days are adjusted to July 1-2, and then closed until further notice
- An impact neutral rollover from Chinook remaining from the June quota increased the July quota from 500 Chinook to 574 Chinook
Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: Based on recent effort and catch rates in the June 15 season opening in this area, it was apparent that the July season could not be opened as planned without significant risk of exceeding the quota. By reducing the single daily landing limits and the open days for the fishery, the fishery should be able to proceed in an orderly manner while minimizing the risk of exceeding the quota.
Fishery managers intend to meet early next week to review the landings from the July 1-2 opening, and consider the potential for additional open dates and adjustments to any landing limits for such openings.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, have discussed the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon and has elected to reopen the fishery with no change.
Therefore, the commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 27 through Monday, June 30, with an open period landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
Troll fishery participants are advised that their fish must be unloaded by 11:59PM on Monday, June 30 or their catch will apply towards the July 1-8 open period limit of 60 Chinook. Vessels fishing South of the Queets River will also be allowed 60 adipose fin-clipped Coho for the open period, while vessels fishing North of the Queets River will be allowed 40 adipose fin-clipped Coho for the open period.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California Border will close to all troll salmon fishing at 11:59 PM Wednesday, June 18. Vessels are required to land and deliver all catch from this fishery within 24 hours into the ports of Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. All vessels landing from this fishery are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 252 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: This season from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border opened on Sunday, June 15 under a 1,500 Chinook quota. Vessels were limited to single daily landing and possession limits of 30 Chinook. By the end of fishing on June 17, an estimated 81% of the quota had been landed, and it is anticipated that landings today will meet or exceed the quota by the end of today. If any quota remains, it will be added to the July quota on an impact neutral basis; or if a quota overage occurred, it will be deducted from the July quota on an impact neutral basis.
Fishery managers intend to meet sometime next week to make needed adjustments to the July quota and consider additional management measures to the July season in advance of the opening. A fixed set of days for the initial July opening and an adjustment to the daily landing and possession limit are likely to be considered for implementation to better manage the fishery to stay within management objectives.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 13 through Tuesday, June 17, with an open period landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area from Leadbetter Pt, WA to Cape Falcon, OR or into Garibaldi, OR.
NOTES AND RATIONALE: The Friday through Tuesday schedule will continue through June 30 unless modified by another inseason action. All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. During the most recent open period, which was limited by weather conditions, 1,430 Chinook were landed bringing the total landings for this season up to 35,771 Chinook, and leaving 2,129 remaining on the quota. Without adjustment, the fishery had a reasonable chance of exceeding the remaining quota in this next open period. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 6 through Tuesday, June 10, with an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area or into Garibaldi, OR.
(2) The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, June 6 through Tuesday, June 10, with an open period landing and possession limit of 30 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 30 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.
NOTE: The Friday through Tuesday schedule will continue through June 30 unless modified by another inseason action. All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the incidental retention of Pacific Halibut in the commercial troll salmon fishery.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas North of Cape Falcon, Oregon are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut per trip effective 12:01 AM Friday, May 30.
(2) Retention of Pacific Halibut by IPHC permitted salmon troll vessels in all areas South of Cape Falcon, Oregon are limited to 1 Pacific Halibut per trip effective 11:59 PM Friday, May 30. Beginning 12:01 AM Saturday, May 31, any vessels in possession of more than 1 Pacific Halibut must cease all fishing activities until Pacific Halibut in excess of 1 have been landed and delivered. All Pacific Halibut, in excess of 1 per trip, must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM, Saturday, May 31.
RATIONALE: Total Pacific Halibut landings from the commercial troll salmon fishery are estimated at 26,330 lbs. out of the quota of 29,671 lbs. (adjusted for head-off, and ice and slime deductions). With only 3,341 lbs. estimated remaining on the quota, action was required to help insure that the quota was not exceeded. Estimated landings to date are 11,194 lbs. into Oregon and 15,136 lbs. into Washington. April was open off Oregon for Pacific Halibut retention for the first time, and approximately 1,600 lbs. were landed into Oregon during April.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 3, with an open period landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area or into Garibaldi, OR.
(2) The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 3, with an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 40 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.
NOTE: All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
RATIONALE: Total landings in the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon fishery are estimated at 31,741 Chinook out of the quota of 37,900, leaving 6,159 Chinook to be caught. More than 5,000 Chinook were landed in the last week, and action was needed to insure that the quota will not be exceeded. By setting an open period cap at 50 Chinook in the areas South of the Queets River, it is anticipated that no more than 5,000 Chinook will be landed during this open period. Additional conference calls will be scheduled as needed to review total landings, and consider additional changes as needed to the open fishing days and open period landing and possession limits.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
(1) The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 27, with an open period landing and possession limit of 60 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of Leadbetter Pt., WA must land their catch north of Leadbetter Pt.; vessels in possession of salmon between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR must land their catch within the area or into Garibaldi, OR.
(2) The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Friday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 27, with an open period landing and possession limit of 40 Chinook salmon. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 40 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.
NOTE: All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
RATIONALE: Total landings in the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon fishery are estimated at 26,200 Chinook out of the quota of 37,900, leaving 11,650 Chinook to be caught. More than 10,000 Chinook were landed in the last week, and action was needed to insure that the quota will not be exceeded. By setting an open period cap at 60 Chinook in the areas South of the Queets River, it is anticipated that no more than 7,500 Chinook will be landed during this open period. A conference call will be scheduled for Thursday, May 29 to review total landings, and consider additional changes as needed to the open fishing days and open period landing and possession limits.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the Queets River to Cape Falcon will close at 11:59 PM Tuesday, May 20 (the area from the US/Canada Border to the Queets River is currently restricted to a Friday through Tuesday open period).
NOTE: All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure. Those vessels fishing between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon must land their catch within the area or into the port of Garibaldi. All vessels landing into Oregon are required to report their catch within one hour of landing or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271 with vessel name and documentation number, number of salmon by species, and time and location of delivery.
RATIONALE: The catches in the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon fishery recently accelerated, and are rapidly approaching the inseason trigger of 28,425 Chinook landed. By closing the fishery at this time, fishery managers will be able to assess the total landings in comparison to the trigger and the overall quota of 37,900 Chinook, and consider adjustments to open days and possible open period limits for the remainder of the May-June season. A second conference call is scheduled for 1:00PM Thursday, May 22 to consider a reopening of the season.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to the Queets River.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will close at 12:01 am, Friday, May 9. All vessels fishing in the area, or in possession of any salmon caught in the area north of the Queets River must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of this closure.
The commercial salmon fishery from the U.S./Canada border to Queets River (Washington state marine areas 3 and 4) will reopen at 12:01 am, Saturday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 13, with an open period landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook salmon. Thereafter, open Friday through Tuesday with a landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook salmon per vessel, per open period. Vessels in possession of salmon north of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels in possession of salmon south of the Queets River may not cross the Queets River line without first notifying WDFW at 360-902-2739 with area fished, total Chinook and halibut catch aboard, and destination. Vessels may not possess or land more than 50 Chinook salmon north of the Queets River.
RATIONALE: A subarea quota of 12,200 Chinook was instituted for the 2014 season for waters North of the Queets River in the May-June commercial troll salmon fishery. An additional management action trigger was set at 9,150 Chinook. The fishery is rapidly approaching the management trigger, and action was required in order to meet the management guidelines.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council completed recreational and commercial ocean salmon season development for all seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015. Summary graphics of the adopted seasons are available in the links at the top of this page. Note that seasons from May 1 forward are not final until approved by both the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The PFMC adopted regulations
Effective immediately, commercial salmon trollers possessing an IPHC license may retain halibut caught incidental to commercial salmon fishing in April 2014. As previously announced, the landing and possession limits are no more than 1 Pacific halibut per each 4 Chinook , except 1 Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 12 Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length, measured from the tip of the lower jaw, with the mouth closed, to the extreme end of the middle of the tail, and must be landed with the head on.
The 2014 Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP), that includes the allocation for incidental halibut retention in the commercial salmon fishery (incidental halibut), files with the Office of the Federal Register, and becomes effective, today, April 1, 2014.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced this afternoon that due to a delay in the implementation of the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP), that the retention of Pacific Halibut in the salmon troll fishery in Area 2A that was scheduled to begin on April 1, is suspended until further notice.
The length of the delay in the allowed retention is anticipated to be brief, but the actual implementation date and time of the CSP cannot be accurately predicted. Troll fishery participants are advised to check the NMFS hotline at (800)662-9825 or listen to USCG Notice to Mariner broadcasts over the VHF for updates. This page will also be updated with any changes to the status of Pacific Halibut retention.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management actions to modify the previously scheduled March 15 commercial troll Chinook Salmon opening off Oregon:
The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will not open for commercial troll salmon fishing for the period of March 15 through March 31. The area will open for commercial troll Chinook Salmon fishing for the period of April 1 - 30. Fishery managers agreed that this was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire, and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.
Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing.
Seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 10.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2013 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will occur as scheduled for the period of March 15 through April 30. All retained Chinook salmon must be 24 inches or larger.
Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin clipped Chinook salmon may be retained or on board while fishing.
Seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 10.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management actions to modify the previously scheduled April 1 through April 30 landing limits and ratio requirements for the retention of Pacific Halibut caught incidentally in the ocean commercial troll Chinook salmon seasons between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border as specified below:
Incidental troll Halibut license holders may land or possess no more than one Pacific Halibut per each four Chinook Salmon except one Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 12 Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. All retained Pacific Halibut must be no less than 32 inches in total length (head-on).
Seasons from May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Vancouver, Washington by April 10.
The early 2014 ocean salmon seasons (prior to May 1) were set under the 2013 season setting process. These early seasons, including opening dates, may be modified by inseason action by NOAA Fisheries at the March Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting (March 8-13, 2014). At this point in time, the following seasons are scheduled for the period prior to May 1, 2014:
- Recreational Ocean Salmon - Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain: Open March 15 through April 30 for all salmon except Coho. All other regulations including length limits, bag limits, gear restrictions, and area restrictions from the 2013 ocean salmon regulations are in effect.
- Commercial Ocean Troll Salmon - Cape Falcon to Oregon/California Border: Open March 15 through April 30 for all salmon except Coho. All other regulations including length limits, gear restrictions, and area restrictions from the 2013 ocean salmon regulations are in effect.
- Incidental Commercial Troll Pacific Halibut: Beginning April 1, during open salmon seasons, holders of an International Pacific Halibut Commission incidental halibut harvest license may land or possess no more than one Pacific Halibut per each three Chinook, except one Pacific Halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 15 halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Pacific Halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length. All halibut must be caught while trolling for salmon.
The 2014 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2014. This pre-season planning meeting will provide an early look at the 2014 salmon forecasts, and develop Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport.
The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2014 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to take forward to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. Doors open at 9:30 AM with the presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with a no-host lunch available at the Hallmark. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Sacramento, CA from March 7-13 (2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA). The meeting in Sacramento will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the Hilton Vancouver Washington from April 4-10 (301 W. Sixth Street, Vancouver, WA). More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.
1/17/14 ACTION NOTICE - INCIDENTAL TROLL HALIBUT: The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has set the incidental troll salmon Pacific Halibut quota for Area 2A (Washington, Oregon, and California) at 29,671 lbs for the 2014 season.
The retention of Pacific Halibut is allowed beginning April 1 only in open salmon seasons by licensed troll salmon vessels that have been issued an incidental Pacific Halibut harvest license. Applications for 2014 licenses received by the IPHC must be postmarked by March 15, 2014. Applications are expected to be available for download from the IPHC website in late February.
From April 1 to 30 in open salmon seasons, holders of the IPHC incidental Pacific Halibut license may land or possess no more than one Pacific halibut per each three Chinook, except one Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement, and no more than 15 halibut may be possessed or landed per trip. Pacific halibut retained must be no less than 32 inches in total length (with head on).
Note: Although the troll salmon season from Cape Falcon to the Oregon/California border is scheduled to start on March 15, 2014, this season may be modified by inseason action at the March 8-13 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting in Sacramento, CA. Final ocean salmon seasons for the period of May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2015 will be set at the April 4-9 PFMC meeting in Vancouver, WA.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to modify the open days for the non-selective recreational coho salmon fishery between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt.
ACTION TAKEN: Effective September 12, the non-selective coho salmon fishery between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. will be open seven days per week through the earlier of September 30 or attainment of the coho quota.
RATIONALE: This fishery opened September 1-2 and then was scheduled on a weekly cycle of Thursday through Saturday open for all salmon, and Sunday through Wednesday open for all salmon except coho. During the first five open days of the season, a total of 2,410 coho were landed out of the quota of 19,580 leaving 17,170 coho for the remainder of September.
Fishery managers had the flexibility built in to the season structure to allow for additional open days during September, and it now appears unlikely that limiting the fishery to three open days per week is necessary. The all salmon except coho from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will remain open through the end of October.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to reopen the commercial troll salmon fishery in the areas North of Cape Falcon, Oregon under modified open period limits.
ACTION TAKEN: The ocean between the Queets River and Cape Falcon will reopen effective Friday, September 6th on the open period schedule of Friday through Tuesday of each week through the earlier of September 17th or quota attainment. Open period limits of 75 Chinook and 50 adipose fin-clipped coho apply.
RATIONALE: Following the most recent open period in the North of Cape Falcon commercial troll salmon fishery 740 Chinook were landed leaving 3,142 Chinook on the quota. Raising the Chinook limit from 35 to 75 is expected to provide a more realistic opportunity to access most of the remaining quota.
There were only 245 adipose fin-clipped coho landed during the most recent opening, and 3,750 coho remain on the quota. A modest increase in the coho limit from 40 to 50 will insure that the fishery is able to access the Chinook without having to close early due to attainment of the coho quota.
Oregon based trollers are reminded to revisit the regulations regarding the very specific landing and call-in restrictions in the fishery to the North of Cape Falcon.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action in the recreational ocean salmon fishery from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Sunday, September 1, the daily catch limit in the ocean recreational fishery between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon is modified to allow the retention of unclipped coho salmon. The daily limit will become two legal size salmon.
RATIONALE: Currently, almost 20,000 coho remain uncaught from the quota in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area. The remainder of the quota after Saturday will be converted from mark selective to non mark selective equivalents next week after this week's catch is deducted. The conversion will result in the remaining quota being reduced by 50% in this area.
Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to be fishing in an area with a prohibited fish in possession, so anglers with a legally caught "wild" Chinook or "wild" coho that are unclipped from the ocean are not allowed to come into the Columbia River and continue fishing with those fish on board since the Columbia River is currently under fin clipped only Chinook and coho restriction.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to reopen the commercial troll salmon fishery in the areas North of Cape Falcon, Oregon under modified open period limits.
ACTION TAKEN: The ocean between the Queets River and Cape Falcon will reopen effective Friday, August 30th on the open period schedule of Friday through Tuesday of each week through the earlier of September 17th or quota attainment. Open period limits of 35 Chinook and 40 adipose fin-clipped coho apply.
RATIONALE: Following the most recent open period in the North of Cape Falcon commercial troll salmon fishery 4,230 Chinook were landed leaving only 1,901 Chinook remaining on the quota. A trade with of 4,000 coho from the commercial troll fishery to the recreational fishery in exchange for 3,200 Chinook from the recreational fishery to the commercial troll salmon fishery (converted rate of 2,000 Chinook) will leave the commercial troll fishery with a revised Chinook quota of 3,900 and a revised adipose fin-clipped coho quota of 4,000. The revised landing limits are expected to stretch the season out to allow for continued flow of salmon into the markets until mid-September. Trollers are reminded to revisit the regulations regarding the very specific landing and call-in restrictions in the fishery to the North of Cape Falcon.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action in the recreational ocean salmon fishery from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon..
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Friday, August 23, the daily catch limit in the ocean recreational fishery between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon is modified to allow up to two Chinook salmon in the daily limit of two salmon. The daily limit is now two salmon, but all coho salmon must be marked with a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers started the season in this area with a sublimit of no more than one Chinook. Action was taken as the overall recreational Chinook quota for the North of Cape Falcon seasons does not appear to require this limitation any further.
A recent change in the daily limit within the Columbia River that will require all retained Chinook to have a healed adipose fin clip or healed complete left ventral fin clip. The daily bag limit within the area between Buoy 10 and Tongue Point allows the retention of two salmon, but only one may be a Chinook (finclipped as noted above), and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.
Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to be fishing in an area with a prohibited fish in possession, so anglers with a legally caught "wild" Chinook from the ocean are not allowed to come into the Columbia River and continue fishing
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to immediately suspend the commercial troll salmon fishery in the areas North of Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN: Effective immediately, the commercial troll salmon fishery North of Cape Falcon is closed until further notice. A conference call will be convened next week to discuss possible options for any further openings.
RATIONALE: During the most recent open period in the North of Cape Falcon commercial troll salmon fishery 4,230 Chinook were landed leaving only 1,901 Chinook remaining on the quota. Fishery managers and industry representatives need more time to consider possible options, including impact neutral trades with the recreational fishery prior to any possible reopening in the commercial troll salmon season North of Cape Falcon. A conference call will be convened next week to discuss options for possible openings.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to make the impact neutral rollover of coho quota remaining from the Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border July recreational fin-clipped selective coho salmon to the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. September recreational non-selective coho salmon season.on from the July recreational selective coho salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to the Oregon / California border were transferred on an impact neutral basis to the September recreational non-selective coho quota for the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The net transfer results in an increase to the September quota of 3,580 coho, and brings the September quota to 19,580 coho.
RATIONALE: The July selective fishery was largely limited ho were landed during July leaving 3,920 coho for transfer astal Natural (OCN) o would not be exceeded by any transfer to September, the transfer of fish into September was only constrained by Lower Columbia Natural (LCN) coho. As the presence of LCN coho is extremely reduced to the South of Cape Falcon in September, this allowed for the net impact neutral transfer to not be reduced significantly. The September non-selective coho season from Cape Fal06/25/2015 r the first two open periods to determine ihin this area is open for all salmon except coho on all days of the week through October 31.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregotaken in-season action to adjust the open period Chinook and coho salmon limcial troll salmon fishery North of Cape Falcon continues open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods of Friday through Tuesday of each week as described in the “2013 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following change to the open period landing and possession limits: The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon between the Queets River and Cape Falcon is increased from 100 to 150 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession for adipose fin-clipped coho in the entire area North of Cape Falcon is increased from 40 to 80 coho per vessel per open period. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, August 9, 2013 and will continue through September 17, 2013 or unless changed by further inseason action.
RATIONALE: There are approximately 9,600 Chinook remaining on the North of Cape Falcon quota. The area North of the Queets River is under a more restrictive guideline for Chinook and is not included in the increase in the Chinook landing limits. The fin-clipped coho quota has approximately 11,400 coho remaining, and landings have been less than 1,000 coho per week. Trollers participating in the North of Cape Falcon fishery are advised to review the regulations for special call-in requirements and landing restrictions. Boats fishing North of Leadbetter Pt. are required to land all catch North of Leadbetter Pt., and boats fishing South of Leadbetter Pt. are required to land all catch between Leadbetter Pt. and Cape Falcon or into Garibaldi. All landings from North of Cape Falcon into Oregon must be reported to ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to close the incidental troll halibut fishery.
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Thursday, August 8 at 11:59PM; the commercial troll salmon incidental Pacific halibut landing and possession will be prohibited for all vessels fishing North of Cape Falcon. For vessels fishing South of Cape Falcon, the fishery will continue through Saturday, August 10 at 11:59PM, however landing and/or possession of any Pacific halibut is prohibited after that time. Holders of International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) troll salmon incidental fishery licenses are limited to 5 halibut per trip within IPHC area 2A and South of Cape Falcon. Troll fishers continue to be limited to no more than ne Pacific halibut may be possessed or landed without meeting the ratio requirement.
RATIONALE: Approximately 400 lbs remain on the troll salmon incidental quota of Pacific halibut. Landings in the South of Cape Falcon area have averaged less than 200 lbs per week in most weeks this year. As the South of Cape Falcon fishery was already in progress, vessels may already have Pacific halibut on board, and the allowance of landings through Saturday night provides a more orderly close to the fishery in this area. All Pacific halibut are required to be landed and delivered by 11:59PM Saturday, August 10.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to make the impact neutral rollover of Chinook quota remaining from the July commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border.
ACTION TAKEN: The August Chinook quota in the commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon/California Border is increased from 2,000 Chinook to 2,714 Chinook, by moving unused quota from the July season to the August season on an impact neutral basis.
RATIONALE: This fishery had taken an estimated 3,988 Chinook during July out of an adjusted July quota of 4,760 (June to July rollover). The remaining 772 Chinook from July when converted to equivalent August impacts resulted in a net increase to the August quota of 714 Chinooregulations including mandatory call-ins from troll fi daily landing and possession limits of 30 Chinook per vessel.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to close the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the Oregon/California Border to Horse Mt., California.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the Oregon/California Border and Horse Mountain, California will close to all commercial troll salmon fishing effective 11:59 PM, Saturday, August 3. Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 2hery reopened on August 1st with good catches and participation. Califorina Dept of Fish and Wildlife anticipates that the August quota will be exhausted by Saturday night.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to close the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the Oregon/California Border to Horse Mt., California.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the Oregon/California Border and Horse Mountain, California will close to all commercial troll salmon fishing effective 11:59 PM, Sunday, July 21. Vessels must land and deliver all catch within 24 hours of this closure.
RATIONALE: The fishery in this area opened on July 15 with a 20 Chinook per vessel daily landing and possession limit. Landings through Thursday, July 18 were estimated to total 1,371 out of the quota of 2,547 Chinook. Forecasting the catch for the next several days is complicated by increasing winds and rough seas for the next several days, but CDFW is estimating that a potential catch of just over 1,000 Chinook is possible through Sunday night. Managers are planning to meet again by conference call early next week to evaluate the status of the quota and whether any additional days might be opened.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the open period Chinook salmon limits in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the Queets River, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the Queets River and Cape Falcon continues open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods of Friday through Tuesday of each week as described in the “2013 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following change to the open period landing and possession limits: The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is increased from 50 to 100 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession for adipose fin-clipped coho continues at 40 coho per vessel per open period. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, July 12, 2013 and will continue through September 17, 2013 or unless changed by further inseason action.
RATIONALE: Following the rollover of the Chinook from the May-June fishery, the quota in this area increased to 19,300. The initial effort and catch rates in the fishery indicate that the quota is unlikely to be taken with the existing open period limits. The fishery North of the Queets River will remain under the 50 Chinook per open period cap due to the reduced subarea catch quota for this zone. Vessels fishing both North of the Queets River and South of the Queets River are limited by an overall open period limit of 100 Chinook of which no more than 50 may be taken North of the Queets River. Trollers participating in the North of Cape Falcon fishery are advised to review the regulations for special call-in requirements and landing restrictions. Boats fishing North of Leadbetter Pt. are required to land all catch North of Leadbetter Pt., and boats fishing South of Leadbetter Pt. are required to land all catch between Leadbetter Pt. and Cape Falcon or into Garibaldi. All landings from North of Cape Falcon into Oregon must be reported to ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to Chinook salmon quota "impact neutral rollovers" in the commercial troll salmon fisheries from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border (OR-KMZ), and from the Oregon/California Border to Horse Mt., CA (CA-KMZ).
ACTIONS TAKEN: Commercial troll Chinook salmon quotas were adjusted by rolling over quota remaining from the prior quota as follows:
- The US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon troll Chinook quota for the season beginning July 1 was increased from 14,700 Chinook with a subarea restriction of 6,100 in the areas North of the Queets River to 19,300 with a subarea restriction of 6,600 in the areas North of the Queets River. Open period limits and dates remain as listed in the adopted regulations.
- The Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border (OR-KMZ) July troll Chinook quota was increased from 3,000 to 4,782. Fishery remains limited by single daily landing and possession limit of 30 Chinook.
- The OR/CA Border to Horse Mt., CA (CA-KMZ) July troll Chinook quota was increased from 2,000 to 2,587. This season does not open until July 15, and is limited by a single daily landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook.
RATIONALE: Rollover provisions to the regulations provide that, in specified seasons, remaining quota from one season may be moved forward to the next season provided that the projected impacts to management critical stocks are not exceeded in the "rollover". If an earlier rollover eligible season exceeded its allowable quota, then an impact neutral equivalent may also be deducted from the following season. In the three rollovers in this management action, the North of Falcon fishery impact neutral transfer of 5,263 Chinook from the May-June fishery to the July-September fishery resulted in a net increase of 4,600 Chinook. The OR-KMZ impact neutral transfer of 2,475 from the June season resulted in a net increase to the July season of 1,782 Chinook. And the CA-KMZ impact neutral transfer of 387 from the June fishery to the July fishery resulted in a net increase of 547 Chinook.
The conference call scheduled for Tuesday, June 25th at 1:00 PM to discuss the North of Cape Falcon troll salmon fishery has been canceled. Catches over the past week slowed substantially thereby eliminating any need to discuss any management action in the fishery at this time. It is expected that the fishery will continue through June 30 for all salmon except coho as described in the season regulations.
A conference call was held today between NOAA Fisheries, Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and commercial troll salmon representatives to discuss the status of the Queets River to Cape Falcon troll Chinook fishery. Currently there are approximately 5,200 Chinook remaining on the May-June quota of 29,300 Chinook. Current catch rates and forecast marine conditions indicate that no action is needed at this time. Another conference call is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at 1:00 PM to review the status of the fishery and evaluate the need for any possible action at that time.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The troll salmon fishery will close North of the Queets River, Washington (Neah Bay and LaPush fishery management areas) effective at 11:59 PM on Monday, May 20.
RATIONALE: A subarea quota of 8,700 Chinook was instituted for the 2013 season for waters North of the Queets River in the May-June commercial troll salmon fishery. The fishery was rapidly approaching the quota for this area, and WDFW fishery managers needed to close the fishery in order to insure an accurate tally of landings to date before considering any possible future openings with reduced landing limits. A conference call is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 23 to consider a possible reopening and any fishery dampening actions that may need to be implemented.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today approved permanent rules to adopt the ocean recreational and commercial troll salmon seasons for state waters from 0-3 nautical miles to match up with seasons proposed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council on April 10 for ocean waters from 3-200 nautical miles from shore. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife had adopted temporary rules in April to address the time lag between implementation of the seasons on May 1 for federal waters and when the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission was scheduled to meet to consider adopting seasons for state waters.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has taken in-season action to close the May OR/CA Border to Humboldt South Jetty, CA commercial troll salmon fishery effective at noon, Friday, May 10, 2013 due to attainment of the May Chinook salmon quota of 3,000 Chinook. The season is scheduled to reopen in this area on June 1 with a quota of 3,000 Chinook. Only vessels with a valid California commercial troll salmon permit are allowed to participate in this fishery, and all catch from this fishery are required to be made within this area and within 24 hours of any closure in the season.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has adopted a set of final ocean salmon fishery seasons. These seasons must still be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, as well as, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission before becoming law. The final PFMC proposed commercial and sport regulations are available on the PFMC website
A graphic summary of the commercial seasons proposed off Oregon is availabler: Oregon Troll Seasons (pdf). Troll fishers are advised to make sure to print and review the full regulation package from the PFMC website prior to fishing.
A graphic summary of the recreational seasons proposed is available here: Oregon Sport Seasons (pdf) and a synopsis of the proposed regulations is available in this Sport Season Regulation Summary (pdf)
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management actions to modify the previously scheduled March 15 openings in the ocean commercial troll Chinook salmon seasons off Oregon:
The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will open for commercial troll Chinook fishing for the period of April 1 - 30. Fishery managers agreed that this was needed to reduce impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire, and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.
Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing.
Seasons from May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Portland, Oregon by April 11.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2012 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will occur as scheduled for the period of March 15 through April 30. All retained Chinook salmon must be 24 inches or larger.
Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin clipped Chinook salmon may be retained or on board while fishing.
Seasons from May 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Portland, Oregon by April 11.
The 2013 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2013. This pre-season planning meeting will provide an early look at the 2013 salmon forecasts, and develop Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held in the downstairs meeting room at the Embarcadero Resort Hotel & Marina, 1000 SE Bay Blvd., Newport.
The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2013 season. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to take forward to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. The meeting doors will open at 9:30 AM with the presentations scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with a no-host lunch available at the Embarcadero. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted here as they come available in February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the Hotel Murano, Tacoma, Washington from March 6-11. The meeting in Tacoma will establish a range of alternatives for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel from April 6-11. More information on these meetings can be found at the PFMC's website.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Oregon, Washington, and California have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery. The following action was taken relative to the coho non-selective recreational ocean salmon season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain:
ACTION TAKEN: The ocean recreational non-selective coho salmon season in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 22, and will be open for non-selective coho on Friday, Sept. 21.
RATIONALE: There are approximately 1,490 coho salmon remaining on the quota of 11,800 coho. Fishery managers forecast that there were not enough coho for two days of fishing or to fish on Saturday without a reasonable chance of exceeding the remaining quota. Friday was selected as a better option than Thursday for recreational angling opportunity. Anglers are reminded that the ocean salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain remains open for all salmon except coho through October 31.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Game, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to close the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon California Border will close to commercial troll salmon fishing effective at 11:59 PM Friday, September 7, 2012. All catch from this fishery must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM on Saturday, September 8, 2012. Salmon landed into this area from outside the area, must still comply with the 30 Chinook single daily landing and possession limit for 96 hours after the closure - through 11:59 PM on Tuesday, September 11.
RATIONALE: The September quota is anticipated to be met or exceeded by the end of the day on Friday. The first two fishing days in September accounted for 49% of the total quota of 1,000 Chinook. Based on observed levels of effort and catch rates in the fishery, forecasts of cumulative landings do not appear to support more than one additional day of fishing. Following the closure of the fishery, landings will be reviewed to determine if sufficient numbers of fish remain in the quota for a later opening in September.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the regulations in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2012 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following changes to the open area and the open period landing and possession limits: The Neah Bay salmon management area is closed for the remainder of the 2012 season. In the LaPush, Westport, and Columbia River management areas, the Chinook open period landing and possession limit remains 150 fish per boat, but the coho salmon open period landing and possession limit is increased to 50 coho salmon with no fin clip restriction. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 and will continue through Monday, September 17, 2012 or until changed by inseason action.
RATIONALE: The remaining Chinook quota is expected to be able to support this current open period limit, and the remaining fin clipped coho quota will be converted to non-selective impact equivalents of approximately 5,000 coho. This is expected to be sufficient to last through the final two scheduled open periods.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Area:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Monday, September 3, 2012, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon) is modified to allow non-fin clipped coho in the bag limit. The daily bag limit will become: 2 salmon per day.
RATIONALE: In the regulation setting process earlier this spring, a provision was included to allow for a non-selective coho season in September if sufficient coho quota remained. An estimated 24,800 coho will remain on the selective coho quota in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area, which should convert to approximately 9,500 coho in a non-selective fishery. The 9,500 coho was adopted as a preliminary quota until final numbers from the selective fishery are tallied.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the regulations in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2012 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following change to the open period landing and possession limits: The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is increased to 150 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession for adipose fin-clipped coho continues at 40 coho per vessel per open period, and the open periods will continue to run from Friday through Tuesday of each week. . This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, August 31, 2012 and will continue through Monday, September 17, 2012 or until changed by inseason action.
RATIONALE: The remaining quota is expected to be able to support this modest increase in the landing limit. Another conference call is anticipated to occur on or before 9/6/12 to consider moving the remaining commercial troll coho quota on an impact neutral basis to a non-selective coho season for the final two open periods.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Area:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Monday, August 27, 2012, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon) is modified to allow up to 2 Chinook salmon in the bag limit. The daily bag limit will become: 2 salmon per day, and all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE: In the regulation setting process earlier this spring, the bag limit was set with a limitation of only one Chinook per day. This limitation was established to ensure that adequate Chinook would be available for the full season. The sampling data indicates that the “no more than one Chinook” bag limit restriction will be unnecessary given the remaining quota and the rate of Chinook catch.
NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Fishery Management Council, and Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean coho salmon season scheduled for September:
ACTION TAKEN: In the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt., the scheduled non-selective coho salmon quota for September is increased from 10,000 to 11,800, following the impact neutral rollover of the remainder of the Cape Falcon to OR/CA border July selective coho season quota.
RATIONALE: The season regulations adopted in April, allowed for an impact neutral rollover of any remaining quota from the July season to the September season. That impact neutral rollover allowed the September quota to be increased by 1,800 coho to 11,800 coho. The non-selective coho season is scheduled to be open September 1-3, and each Thursday through Saturday through the earlier of attainment of the quota or the scheduled ending date of September 22.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the regulations in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2012 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following changes to the open periods and open period landing and possession limits: The open periods will be Friday through Tuesday of each week. The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is increased to 120 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession for adipose fin-clipped coho is increased to 40 coho per vessel per open period. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, August 17, 2012 and will continue through Monday, September 17, 2012 or until changed by inseason action.
RATIONALE: The current rate of landings of Chinook are not on pace to catch the full quota prior to the scheduled end of the fishery. The adopted regulations were scheduled to reduce the open periods to Friday through Monday and increase the coho open period limit to 40 beginning on August 24. At the current pace of the fishery, the restriction to four day open periods was not needed, and to simplify the transition, the 40 coho limit change was moved to this current open period.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Game, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to close the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon California Border will close to commercial troll salmon fishing effective at 11:59 PM Monday, August 6, 2012. All catch from this fishery must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. Salmon landed into this area from outside the area, must still comply with the 30 Chinook single daily landing and possession limit for 96 hours after the closure - through 11:59 PM on Friday, August 10.
RATIONALE: The August quota is anticipated to be met or exceeded by the end of the day on Monday. The first three fishing days in August were relatively slow due to weather limiting access, however the end of July had very good catches. On Saturday and Sunday there was a jump in participating vessels and an increase in catches, with 74% of the quota taken by Sunday night. Weather and participation on Monday, indicated that there will not be enough fish remaining for any additional days of fishing.
Although the June landings in this fishery came 485 short of the quota, the July landings exceeded the allowed catch for July by 411 Chinook. When the impact neutral rollover from June to July was modeled by NOAA Fisheries, a total of 85 Chinook needed to be deducted from the August quota leaving 915 Chinook out of the original 1,000. Cumulative landings on Monday, are forecast to exceed 1,000 Chinook.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the Chinook salmon open period landing and possession limit for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2012 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following change to the open period landing and possession limits. The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is increased to 90 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession for adipose fin-clipped coho remains at 35 coho per vessel per open period. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, August 3, 2012 and will continue through August 21, 2012 or until changed by inseason action.
RATIONALE: The open period limit for Chinook was increased to 60 Chinook for the most recent open period, but landings are continuing at a slow pace with a number of troll vessels switching to albacore. This increase is not anticipated to result in the quota being attained early.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the Chinook salmon open period landing and possession limit for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2012 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following change to the open period landing and possession limits. The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is increased to 60 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession for adipose fin-clipped coho remains at 35 coho per vessel per open period. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, July 27, 2012 and will continue through August 21, 2012 or until changed by inseason action.
RATIONALE: The open period limit for Chinook was increased to 50 Chinook for the most recent open period, but landings are continuing at a slow pace with a number of troll vessels switching to albacore. This modest increase is not anticipated to result in the quota being attained early.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the Chinook salmon open period landing and possession limit for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2012 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following change to the open period landing and possession limits. The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is increased to 50 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession for adipose fin-clipped coho remains at 35 coho per vessel per open period. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, July 20, 2012 and will continue through August 21, 2012 or until changed by inseason action.
RATIONALE: Commercial fishery representatives had requested an increase in the open period limit based on the anticipated catch in the fishery, and the fact that the Chinook quota appears unlikely to be attained with the current effort and catch. Through July 17, an estimated 3,136 Chinook had been landed with 12,664 Chinook remaining on the quota.
NOAA Fisheries revision to the action was to clarify that the originally scheduled change in the open period limit that is scheduled to go into effect on August 24 has not been modified. Unless other inseason action occurs, the North of Cape Falcon troll salmon fishery open periods revert to Friday through Monday with limits of 20 Chinook and 40 coho per vessel beginning August 24.
NOAA Fisheries has taken in-season action to close the incidental Pacific halibut retention in the commercial troll salmon fishery effective immediately.
ACTION TAKEN: The retention of Pacific halibut incidentally caught while trolling for salmon by IPHC permitted vessels is closed effective Tuesday, July 3. All of Pacific halibut management area 2A is closed. Vessels with halibut on board must land all halibut no later than 11:59 PM on Tuesday, July 3rd.
RATIONALE: Total landings of Pacific halibut caught incidental to salmon trolling by IPHC permitted vessels were projected to have met the 30,568 lb quota by July 3rd. The majority of the incidental halibut catch has come from boats fishing off the Washington Coast, with Oregon landings of halibut making up approximately 15% of the total catch.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The following regulation changes to the fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon have been adopted: The fishery will close to all commercial salmon fishing effective at 23:59 on Wednesday, June 20. Vessels have 24 hours to land and deliver their catch from this period.
The troll salmon fishery will reopen at 00:01 on Friday, June 22 and continue through 23:59 on Friday, June 29 with an open period landing and possession limit of 35 Chinook per vessel for period of June 22-29. Vessels will have 24 hours to land and deliver any catch from this open period.
RATIONALE: The commercial troll fishery in the area from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon is estimated to have landed 25,300 Chinook through Sunday, June 17, with an additional 2,000 Chinook expected to be landed by Wednesday, June 20, thereby leaving approximately 4,500 Chinook on the May/June quota of 31,700 Chinook.
The adopted regulations for 2012 included a provision to consider modifying the fishery open days and imposing open period limits when the landings had reached 24,975 Chinook. By closing Wednesday night, and implementing the 35 Chinook landing and possession limit, the fishery is expected to come close to meeting the season objective of allowing fishing throughout June without exceeding the spring quota.
The fishery will reopen on July 1 with open periods and open period landing and possession limits as listed in the adopted ocean salmon regulations. Copies of the adopted seasons.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management actions to modify the previously scheduled March 15 openings in the ocean commercial troll Chinook salmon seasons off Oregon:
The area between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California Border will open for commercial troll Chinook fishing for the period of April 1 - 30. Fishery managers agreed that this was needed to reduce impacts on Columbia River tule Chinook in order to provide more flexibility in the other season options that are under development. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire, and Chinook must be 28 inches or larger to be retained.
Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing.
Seasons from May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Seattle, Washington by April 6.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2011 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will occur as scheduled for the period of March 15 through April 30. All retained Chinook salmon must be 24 inches or larger.
Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin clipped Chinook salmon may be retained or on board while fishing.
Seasons from May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Seattle, Washington by April 6.
The 2012 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2012. This pre-season planning meeting will give an early look at the 2012 salmon forecasts, and develop recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held at the Hallmark Resort Hotel, 744 SW Elizabeth St., Newport.
The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean anglers, commercial salmon troll fishers, and others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2012 season. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred alternatives to take forward to the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. The meeting is expected to start at 9:30 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento from March 2-7 (salmon issues are scheduled to be concluded by March 6). This meeting in Sacramento will establish a range of options for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel from April 1-6. More information can be found at the PFMC's website.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean non-selective coho salmon season that opened on September 1:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Wednesday, September 7 at 11:59 pm the non-selective ocean coho salmon fishery on the central coast will CLOSE for coho retention. The entire month of September remains open to retention of all other species of salmon within this area.
RATIONALE: Due to higher than anticipated effort and a catch rate more that double what fishery managers had predicted (based on previous years non-selective coho fisheries), the 5,900 fish quota will have been attained by Wednesday night.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will reopen for two final four day open periods of Saturday through Tuesday on Sept. 3-6 and Sept. 10-13. Vessels will be limited to open period landing and possession limits of 20 Chinook and 100 adipose fin-clipped coho salmon. All fish must be landed and delivered within 24 hours of the end of each open period. Vessels landing catch into Oregon are required to report their landings within 1 hour of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271.
RATIONALE: At this time, an estimated 948 Chinook remain on the commercial troll quota. During the most recent open period of August 27-29, the troll fishery landed 174 Chinook and 280 coho. Chinook catch rates have been declining and participation in the fishery has decreased, this allowed for an increase in the open period limit from 12 to 20 Chinook. Fishery managers will assess the landings after the first of these two open periods to determine if any additional action needs to be taken prior to the Sept. 10-13 open period. In addition, the coho open period landing limit was increased from 75 to 100 adipose fin clipped coho to allow more access to coho that should be more available at this time.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the areas from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in all Ocean Salmon Management Areas North of Cape Falcon including: " Neah Bay", "LaPush", " Westport", and " Columbia River":
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Monday, September 5, 2011, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons North of Cape Falcon, Oregon is increased to allow the retention of up to one Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: On August 23 rd an assessment of the North of Cape Falcon recreational salmon fishery indicated that there would not be enough Chinook salmon to support continued retention of Chinook salmon in the ocean recreational ocean fishery in this area. Action was taken to prohibit retention of Chinook beginning Monday, August 29 th. Catch updates for the period of August 22-28 indicated that the Chinook catch per angler, and the overall Chinook landings were much lower than expected. This allowed fishery managers the flexibility to reopen the ocean areas for Chinook retention beginning on Labor Day.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean coho salmon season scheduled for September:
ACTION TAKEN: In the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt., the scheduled non-selective coho salmon quota for September is increased from 3,000 to 5,900, following the impact neutral rollover of the remainder of the July-August quota. The open days of this season are adjusted to include all days from September 1-10. Therefore, retention of all legal sized coho will be allowed from September 1 through the earlier of September 10 or attainment of the quota of 5,900 coho. The entire month of September is open to retention of all other species of salmon within this area.
RATIONALE: The season regulations adopted in April, were established to allow for a non-selective coho season (no fin-clip requirement) on September 1-3 and September 8-10 (Thursday through Saturday) with a quota of 3,000 landed coho. The adopted regulations also allowed for an impact neutral rollover of any remaining quota from the July 2 through August 13 season to the September season. That impact neutral rollover allowed the September quota to be increased to 5,900 coho. With the increased quota, the additional four days of September 4-7 could be included in the fishery with little risk of exceeding the quota. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife staff will monitor landings to insure that the quota is not exceeded.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will reopen for three days of fishing beginning Saturday, August 27 and ending Monday, August 29. Vessels will be limited to an open period landing and possession limit of 12 Chinook and 75 adipose fin-clipped coho salmon. All fish must be landed and delivered within 24 hours of the end of this open period. Vessels landing catch into Oregon are required to report their landings within 1 hour of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271.
RATIONALE: At this time, only an estimated 1,123 Chinook remain on the commercial troll quota. Additional days were added to this open period to address weather and catch issues with smaller vessels. In addition, the coho open period landing limit was increased to allow more access to coho that should be more available at this time.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Wa the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the areas from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in all Ocean Salmon Management Areas North of Cape Falcon including: "Neah Bay", "LaPush", "Westport", and "Columbia River" :
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Monday, August 29, 2011, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons North of Cape Falcon, Oregon is restricted to non-retention of Chinook salmon. Those areas that have been open 5 days per week will open to 7 days per week.
RATIONALE: Current catch assessments indicate that all areas are nearing their Chinook guidelines, but appear to still have sufficient coho remaining to support several more weeks of fishing. Any remaining Chinook will be used as hook and release mortality to allow the coho (and pink salmon) season to continue.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will reopen for a single day of fishing on Friday, August 19. Vessels will be limited to a single day landing and possession limit of 12 Chinook and 50 adipose fin-clipped coho salmon. All fish must be landed and delivered within 24 hours of the end of this one day opening. Vessels landing catch into Oregon are required to report their landings within 1 hour of landing by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271
RATIONALE: At this time, only an estimated 1,070 Chinook remain on the commercial troll quota. This was not enough Chinook to reopen on the 30 Chinook per open period based on participation and catch rates. In addition, late fish ticket reports in Washington have added the concern that there may still be additional unreported catch that would lower the remaining quota further. There are no anticipated trade options available with the recreational fishery, as it appears that they will need their full allocation of Chinook this year. If sufficient fish remain after the Friday opening, a conference call will be scheduled to discuss any possible reopenings sometime next week.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the areas from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Westport" and "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Areas:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Sunday, August 14, 2011, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Westport" and "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Areas is further restricted to allow no more than 1 Chinook salmon in the bag limit of 2 salmon and all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE: In the regulation setting process earlier this spring, the bag limit was set with a limitation of only one Chinook per day. This limitation was established to ensure that adequate Chinook would be available for the full season. Effective on August 7, that restriction was lifted, but Chinook catches have escalated, especially in the Westport Area, to the point where it appears that without reverting to the one Chinook restriction the fishery would likely close before Labor Day weekend. Fishery managers with support from the fishing community have taken this as a first step action to keep the fishery open as long as possible.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon scheduled open period of August 12-16 has been suspended. Another conference call will occur on Wednesday, August 17 to consider options to reopen the season.
RATIONALE: At this time, only an estimated 1,080 Chinook remain on the commercial troll quota. This would not have be enough fish to reopen the fishery with the current regulations as the last three open periods had landings of 1,132; 1,600; and 1,564 Chinook respectively. In addition, late fish ticket reports in Washington have added the concern that there may still be additional unreported catch that would lower the remaining quota further. There are no anticipated trade options available with the recreational fishery, as it appears that they are likely to need their full allocation of Chinook this year. There is a conference call scheduled for 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 17 to evaluate the status of the fishery and consider any possible reopenings.
Recently questions have been coming in regarding the status of the recreational selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. As the season is scheduled to end on August 13, but only 35% of the quota had been taken as of August 7, there will undoubtably be a large portion of the quota remaining.
The adopted regulations for 2011 included an ending date of August 13 to the selective coho salmon season with a provision for the first time to roll any remaining quota to the September non-selective coho salmon season on an impact neutral basis. The impact neutral will likely result in a roughly a 4:1 transfer rate, in other words transferring 1,000 coho from the summer selective fishery will result in approximately 250 coho added to the September quota.
At this point the September non-selective (open for clipped and non-clipped coho) is scheduled to be open for September 1-3 and September 8-10 (Thursday through Saturday). If enough additional coho are rolled into the September season, then a request to open some or all of the days between September 1 and 10 that are currently closed to coho retention (open for Chinook) may occur. It is important to note that these are federal regulations, and any changes must follow the adopted management plan as well as be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The management plan does not allow for an extention beyond the scheduled ending date of a season, so the selective coho salmon season must end on or before August 13, and the non-selective coho salmon season must end on or before September 10.
For our federally managed ocean salmon season; when a quota is applied to a season, the quota is the maximum catch allowed within the season structure. A quota is not a guarantee of catch, and when a quota is not met seasons are not extended in an attempt to catch the remaining quota.
The 2011 September coho season will be the first non-selective ocean recreational coho season South of Cape Falcon since 1993. We are expecting a strong return of Oregon Coastal Natural coho this fall, and this September fishery is one way to access those coho within the impacts allowed on other critical coho stocks.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the areas from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Westport" and "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Areas:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Sunday, August 7, 2011, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the "Westport" and "Columbia River" Ocean Salmon Management Areas is increased to allow up to 2 Chinook salmon in the bag limit. Daily bag limit will now be 2 salmon per day, and all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE: In the regulation setting process earlier this spring, the bag limit was set with a limitation of only one Chinook per day. This limitation was established to ensure that adequate Chinook would be available for the full season. Early fishery sampling data indicates that the “no more than one Chinook” bag limit restriction will be unnecessary given the ratio of Chinook in the catch. In order to more fully utilize the available Chinook quota, the removal of the no more than one Chinook in the bag limit restriction was made.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the incidental Pacific halibut season for commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border through California - International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) area 2A.
ACTION TAKEN: The retention of Pacific halibut by commercial troll salmon fishers who are holders of IPHC incidental troll halibut permits will be authorized effective Friday, July 29 through the earlier of attainment of the remaining halibut quota or October 31. Trollers are limited to 1 Pacific halibut with a minimum length of 32 inches per each Friday through Thursday, seven day period. Trollers landing Pacific halibut into any Oregon port are required to notify the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife by calling (541)867-0300 ext. 271. The notification must be made within one hour of landing the halibut and include the vessel name and number, the number of pounds of Pacific halibut landed, the port of landing, and the location and estimated time of delivery.
RATIONALE: There are an estimated 2,598 lbs of Pacific halibut remaining on the area 2A incidental troll halibut quota of 28,126 lbs. This equates to an estimated 118-148 landed halibut. In order to better utilize this limited remaining quota, fishery managers and industry agreed to limit landings to one fish per week. Due to the open periods for the salmon fishery between the US/Canada border and Cape Falcon of Friday through Tuesday, it was decided to adopt a Friday through Thursday week to better match the entire open area 2A salmon seasons. In addition, due to the low number of remaining catch, Oregon has instituted a call-in requirement to monitor the landings in a timely manner.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the California Dept. of Fish and Game, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the OR/CA Border to the Humboldt South Jetty.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the OR/CA Border to the Humboldt South Jetty, CA will close to all salmon fishing at 11:59PM, Monday, July 18, 2011.
RATIONALE: This fishery opened on July 2nd with a daily landing and possesion limit of 15 Chinook per vessel, open fishing days of Saturday through Wednesday, and a quota of 1,400 Chinook. As of Sunday, July 17, an estimated 1,100 Chinook had been landed and over 375 Chinook were estimate to have been landed on Monday already. Fishery managers needed to close the fishery as soon as possible to avoid any additional catch over the quota. Any catch overage above the July quota will need to be subtracted from the August quota of 1,000 Chinook on an impact neutral basis. The Oregon troll Chinook fishery between Humbug Mt. and the OR/CA border is not affected by this closure, and will continue until further notice.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The following regulation change to the fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon has been adopted and is in effect beginning with the Friday July 15, 2011 opening period: The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is reduced to 30 Chinook per vessel per open period. The open period landing and possession limit for adipose fin-clipped coho will remain at 50 coho per vessel per open period.
RATIONALE: With additional information regarding estimated fleet participation and abundance of Chinook salmon, fishery managers recognized that, in order to meet the industry goal of an extended summer season, the landing and possession limits adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in April would likely result in the Chinook quota being caught prior to early August. In order to attempt to reach mid to late August, managers adjusted the catch limits downward to allow for a more consistent flow of product into the market place. Since July 1, commercial landings of Chinook salmon in the area between the US/ Canada Border and Cape Falcon were estimated to be 3,961 out of the Summer quota of 10,300 Chinook as of Tuesday, July 12. With over 2,440 Chinook caught in the previous 5 day open period with a landing and possession limit of 50 Chinook, managers decided that a modification to the Chinook landing limit was necessary to maintain the extended season.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The following regulation changes to the fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon have been adopted: The fishery will close to all fishing effective 00:01 on Wednesday, June 22, and reopen at 00:01 on Thursday, June 23 through June 30 with an open period landing and possession limit of 30 Chinook per vessel per the open period of June 23-30.
RATIONALE: The commercial troll fishery in the area from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon is estimated to have 2,000 Chinook remaining on the May/June quota of 20,600 Chinook as of Sunday, June 19. By closing Tuesday night, and implementing the 30 Chinook landing and possession limit, the fishery is expected to be able to reach the scheduled June 30 ending date without exceeding the spring quota.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), representatives from the commercial troll fishery, the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), has taken in-season action to close the commercial troll salmon fishery to retention of incidentally caught Pacific halibut.
ACTION TAKEN: The retention of Pacific halibut incidentally caught while trolling for salmon by IPHC permitted vessels will close effective 11:59PM Saturday May 28. All of Pacific halibut management area 2A is closed. Vessels with halibut on board must land all halibut prior to continuing to participate in the salmon fishery.
RATIONALE: Total landings of Pacific halibut caught incidental to salmon trolling by IPHC permitted vessels was estimated to be at 84% of the commercial troll incidental Pacific halibut quota of 28,126 lbs as of May 25th. The majority of the incidental halibut catch has come from boats fishing along the Northern Washington Coast, with Oregon landings of halibut making up approximately 12% of the total catch.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has adopted a set of final ocean salmon fishery seasons. These seasons must still be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, as well as, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission before becoming law. The final PFMC proposed commercial and sport regulations
A graphic summary of the commercial seasons proposed off Oregon: Oregon Troll Seasons (pdf). Troll fishers are advised to make sure to print and review the full regulation package from the PFMC prior to fishing.
A graphic summary of the recreational seasons proposed is available here: Oregon Sport Seasons (pdf) and a synopsis of the proposed regulations is available in the Sport Season Regulation Summary (pdf)
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season management actions to modify the previously scheduled March 15 openings in the ocean commercial troll Chinook salmon seasons off Oregon:
The area between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. will be open for commercial troll Chinook fishing for the period of April 15 - 30. Vessels are limited to no more than four spreads per wire. Within the area adjacent to Tillamook Bay, between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock, and inside the 15 fathom depth contour, only adipose fin clipped Chinook may be retained or on board a vessel while fishing.
The area between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon/California border will not open for any commercial salmon season prior to May 1.
Seasons from May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in San Mateo, California on April 9-13.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has reviewed the recreational Chinook salmon seasons adopted under the 2010 regulation setting process, and the season scheduled to be open for Chinook salmon from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will occur as scheduled for the period of March 15 through April 30. Anglers fishing in ocean waters adjacent to Tillamook Bay between Twin Rocks and Pyramid Rock and within the 15 fathom depth contour are reminded that only adipose fin clipped Chinook salmon may be retained or on board while fishing.
Seasons from May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in San Mateo, California on April 9-13.
The 2011 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2011. This pre-season planning meeting will give an early look at the 2011 salmon forecasts, and develop recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn, 3019 North Coast Hwy., Newport.
The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean anglers, commercial salmon troll fishers, and others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2011 season. The meeting is expected to start at 9:30 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held at the Vancouver Washington Hilton from March 5-10 (salmon issues are scheduled to be concluded by March 9). This meeting in Vancouver will establish a range of options for further review. The final season setting meeting will occur at the San Mateo Marriott in San Mateo California from April 9-14. More information can be found at the PFMC's website.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Elk River at Port Orford.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Elk River Terminal Area between Cape Blanco and Humbug Mt. will close to fishing effective 11:59PM on Friday, October 29, 2010.
RATIONALE: The Elk River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open for the period of October 15 through the earlier of November 30 or a quota of 1,250 landed Chinook, with a single daily possession and landing limit of 20 Chinook. As of the end of fishing on Wednesday, October 27, 1,140 Chinook had been landed, and it was expected that landings on Friday would result in attainment of the authorized quota.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Chetco River Terminal Area between Twin Rocks and the Oregon/California border will reopen to fishing for one day on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Participating trollers will be limited to a single daily landing and possession limit of 10 Chinook per vessel.
RATIONALE: The Chetco River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open for the period of October 13 through the earlier of October 31 or a quota of 500 landed Chinook, with a single daily possession and landing limit of 20 Chinook. On the opening day of the fishery, commercial trollers harvested nearly half of the quota, but the fish bite dropped off and landings after the second day of the season totaled 71% of the quota. Fishery managers took action to close the fishery after 3 days of fishing. There are 79 Chinook remaining on the quota, and managers identified that a single open day of fishing with a reduced landing and possession limit would likely bring the landings in close to the 500 Chinook quota with minimal risk of exceeding the quota.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Chetco River at Brookings.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Chetco River Terminal Area between Twin Rocks and the Oregon/California border will close to fishing effective 11:59PM on Friday, October 15, 2010.
RATIONALE: The Chetco River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open for the period of October 13 through the earlier of October 31 or a quota of 500 landed Chinook, with a single daily possession and landing limit of 20 Chinook. On the opening day of the fishery, commercial trollers harvested nearly half of the quota, but the fish bite dropped off and landings after the second day of the season totaled 71% of the quota. Fishery managers will evaluate the total landings next week to see if enough Chinook remain on the quota to reopen for another day.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to transfer additional Chinook from the recreational quota to the commercial troll guideline and set a closing date for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for a final Friday through Tuesday open period from September 3 through 7 with open period landing and possession limits of 30 Chinook and 50 coho per vessel. A transfer of 1,000 Chinook from the recreational fishery to the commercial fishery (on an impact neutral basis) will occur to allow this final open period adequate Chinook for the potential landings.
RATIONALE: The commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon has approximately 540 Chinook remaining on their catch quota. During the most recent open period the troll fleet landed an estimated 817 Chinook. The troll fishery would likely exceed their remaining quota with any additional openings, but the recreational fishery has almost 15,000 Chinook remaining on their quota and they are not in any jeopardy of meeting their quota and needing to close early. The adopted action also established that the commercial troll season will close for the remainder of 2010 with this open period.
Trollers landing any salmon into Oregon from this or any other quota managed salmon fishery are reminded that they are required to report landings to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within one hour of delivery, or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
The North of Cape Falcon commercial troll salmon fishery will reopen for another five day fishing period of Friday through Tuesday (8/27-31). Open period limits remain unchanged at 30 Chinook and 50 marked coho per vessel.
Trollers landing any salmon into Oregon from this or any other quota managed salmon fishery are reminded that they are required to report landings to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within one hour of delivery, or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
The North of Cape Falcon commercial troll salmon fishery will reopen for another five day fishing period of Friday through Tuesday (8/20-24). Open period limits remain unchanged at 30 Chinook and 50 marked coho per vessel.
Trollers landing any salmon into Oregon from this or any other quota managed salmon fishery are reminded that they are required to report landings to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within one hour of delivery, or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
The North of Cape Falcon commercial troll salmon fishery will reopen for another five day fishing period of Friday through Tuesday (8/13-17). Open period limits remain unchanged at 30 Chinook and 50 marked coho per vessel.
Trollers landing any salmon into Oregon from this or any other quota managed salmon fishery are reminded that they are required to report landings to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within one hour of delivery, or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the Chinook open period landing and possession limit for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the Friday through Tuesday open periods with the following modification to the open period landing and possession limits: Beginning August 6 the fishery will be limited to open period landing and possession limits of 30 Chinook and 50 coho per vessel. Vessels must land and deliver their catch within 24 hours of each closure. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, August 6, 2010.
RATIONALE: There are approximately 2,400 Chinook and 9,300 marked coho remaining on the North of Cape Falcon troll quotas. During the most recent open period of July 30 through August 3, trollers landed an estimated 6,600 Chinook and 690 coho. Based on the high catch of Chinook and low number of Chinook remaining on the quota, managers needed to lower the open period landing limit for Chinook. In addition, a trade of coho from the commercial troll fishery for Chinook from the recreational fishery was agreed to with the intent of transferring Chinook from the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area recreational guideline in exchange for a transfer of coho from the commercial troll salmon fishery to the recreational fishery in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area. These trades are expected to allow for a longer recreational coho season in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area and for the commercial troll fishery to better utilize their quotas. The trade involved a transfer of 7,000 coho from the commercial troll quota for 2,500 Chinook from the recreational quota. The Salmon Technical Team will evaluate the coho transfer to consider possible adjustments to keep the transfer on an impact neutral basis for stocks of critical concern. Fishery representatives from both the recreational and commercial fisheries were in agreement to the trade.
Trollers landing any salmon into Oregon from this or any other quota managed salmon fishery are reminded that they are required to report landings to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within one hour of delivery, or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the open days and the Chinook open period landing and possession limit for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2010 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following changes: Beginning July 30 the fishery will be open Friday through Tuesday of each week with open period landing and possession limits of 75 Chinook and 50 coho per vessel. Vessels must land and deliver their catch within 24 hours of each closure. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, July 30, 2010.
RATIONALE: There are 9,000 Chinook and nearly 10,000 marked coho remaining on the quotas. The remaining Chinook quota includes 2,700 Chinook that were “rolled over” from the May-June season. The most recent open period resulted in total landings of 2,900 Chinook and 705 marked coho, and the fishery is expected to be able to proceed for the next open period with the modest increase in the Chinook open period limit without risk of closure. Industry representatives expressed concern that Chinook would soon become much less available as they begin to enter the Columbia River, and that they want to insure that they access the majority of the remaining quota while the fish are available and market prices are high. The overall management intent for this fishery remains a steady flow of product to the markets through at least the third week in August. Trollers landing any salmon into Oregon from this or any other quota managed salmon fishery are reminded that they are required to report landings to the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at (541)867-0300 ext. 271 within one hour of delivery, or prior to transport away from the point of landing.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the open period landing and possession limits for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the “2010 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries” with the following changes to the open period landing and possession limits. The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is increased to 60 Chinook per vessel per open period, and the open period landing and possession limit for adipose fin-clipped coho is increased to 50 coho per vessel per open period. This action becomes effective at 00:01 on Friday, July 16, 2010.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers had reduced the open period limits to 40 Chinook and 30 coho in an action taken on June 24 to insure both a flow of product into the market and a season that would last a minimum of 5-6 weeks. With two open periods in July for reference, the fishery appears able to withstand somewhat higher open period limits, and still be able to meet the objective of fishing into mid-August. Industry representatives were advocating for a Chinook open period limit of 75 Chinook, but managers were concerned that might result in running out of Chinook before allowing access to the coho. If state managers feel changes to the open period limits are warranted prior to the next open period, they will request another call with NOAA Fisheries for 11:00AM on Thursday, July 22.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the areas from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the Neah Bay, LaPush, Westport, and Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Areas:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Thursday July 8, 2010, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons in all ocean areas from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon is increased to allow up to 2 Chinook salmon in the bag limit. Daily bag limit will now be 2 salmon per day, and all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE: In the regulation setting process earlier this spring, the bag limit was set with a limitation of only one Chinook per day. This limitation was established to ensure that adequate Chinook would be available for the full season. Early fishery sampling data indicates that the “no more than one Chinook” bag limit restriction will be unnecessary given the ratio of Chinook in the catch. In order to more fully utilize the available Chinook quota, the removal of the no more than one Chinook in the bag limit restriction was made.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the open period landing and possession limits for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon which is scheduled to open on July 1.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll salmon fishing for the open periods as described in the 2010 Federal Regulations: West Coast Salmon Fisheries with the following changes to the open period landing and possession limits. The open period landing and possession limit for Chinook salmon is reduced to 40 Chinook per vessel per open period, and the open period landing and possession limit for adipose fin-clipped coho is reduced to 30 coho per vessel per open period.
RATIONALE: With additional information regarding estimated fleet participation and abundance of Chinook salmon, fishery managers recognized that, in order to meet the industry goal of an extended summer season, the landing and possession limits adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in April were too high. In order to achieve a 5-6 week season, managers adjusted the catch limits downward to allow for a more consistent flow of product into the market place.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to adjust the open period landing and possession limit for the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll salmon fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll Chinook salmon fishing for the period of Friday through Tuesday, June 25-29 with an open period landing and possession limit of 25 Chinook per vessel for the open period.
RATIONALE: Commercial landings of Chinook salmon in the area between the US/ Canada Border and Cape Falcon were estimated to be 38,551 out of the quota of 42,000 Chinook as of Tuesday, June 22. With over 8,000 Chinook caught in the previous 5 day open period with a landing and possession limit of 75 Chinook, there were not enough Chinook to open without modification to the landing limits. Any Chinook remaining from this quota will be transferred to the fishery scheduled to open on July 1 on an impact neutral basis.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to close the commercial troll salmon fishery to retention of incidentally caught Pacific halibut.
ACTION TAKEN: The retention of Pacific halibut incidentally caught while trolling for salmon is closed from 11:59PM Wednesday June 16 through the remainder of 2010. All of Pacific halibut area 2A is closed. Vessels with halibut on board must land all halibut prior to continuing to participate in the salmon fishery.
RATIONALE: The commercial troll incidental Pacific halibut quota of 25,035 lbs has been met.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to reopen the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will open to commercial troll Chinook salmon fishing for the Friday through Tuesday periods of June 18-22 and June 25-29 with an open period landing and possession limit of 75 Chinook per vessel per open period.
RATIONALE: The commercial troll fishery in the area from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon closed to fishing on June 12 in order to allow for some limited fishing opportunity for the remainder of June. Estimated catches through June 12 were 31,900 Chinook out of the quota of 42,000 Chinook. Based on estimated fleet size, managers were confident that the overall quota would not be exceeded with an open period limit of 75 Chinook. Managers will meet by conference call at 2:00PM on June 24 to determine if any other changes need to be made for the final open period of June 25 through 29.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to close the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN: The fishery between the US/Canada Border and Cape Falcon will close to all troll salmon fishing effective at 11:59PM on Saturday, June 12 th. Troll fishers have 24 hours from the end of the fishery to land and deliver their catch.
RATIONALE: Catch in the commercial fishery North of Cape Falcon had been progressing at a moderate pace towards the quota until this week. Catches through June 6 were estimated at 14,200 Chinook, but in the first three days of this week, over 10,000 Chinook were estimated to have been landed. Increasing fishing effort and catch per boat indicated that the commercial catch would likely total 34,000-37,000 by Saturday night.
One goal established for this season in the regulation setting process was to allow harvest available throughout the entire May through June period. In order to achieve that goal, a “trigger” at 35,000 landed Chinook catch was adopted to evaluate catches and consider options for additional fishing for the remainder of June and the total quota of 42,000 Chinook. Following the closure, fishery managers will evaluate total landings in this season, and a conference call is scheduled for 1:00PM on Tuesday, June 15 to consider additional fishing days, landing limits, and other options for the remainder of June.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved the ocean commercial and recreational state waters fall Chinook terminal area seasons for waters off Tillamook Bay, the Elk River, and the Chetco River. Detailed charts and regulations are available by following the links on the Special State Waters Chinook Seasons page.
A table summarizing the adopted seasons follows:
Fishery |
Open Area |
Open Dates |
Catch Limits |
Special Restrictions |
Tillamook Terminal Area Sport |
Twin Rocks to Pyramid Rock (0-3 miles) |
Sept. 1- Oct. 31, 2010 |
2 Chinook per day, but no more than 1 non-finclipped, and no more than 10 in aggregate from all NW Zone waters (Aug. 1 - Dec. 31)
Chinook 24" minimum length |
If coho season is still open, then restricted to no more than 2 single point barbless hooks |
Tillamook Terminal Area Commercial Troll |
Twin Rocks to Pyramid Rock (0-3 miles) |
Sept. 1- earlier of Oct. 31, 2010 or 600 Chinook quota |
25 Chinook per calendar week
Chinook 28" minimum length. |
Single point barbless hooks, 4 spreads per wire
Mandatory catch reporting: 541-867-0300 x271 |
Elk River Terminal Area Sport |
Shoreward of a line drawn from Cape Blanco to Black Rock to Best Rock to Humbug Mt. |
Oct. 15 - Nov. 30, 2010 |
2 Chinook per day.
Chinook 24" minimum length |
No more than 2 single point barbless hooks |
Elk River Terminal Area Commercial Troll |
Shoreward of a line drawn from Cape Blanco to Black Rock to Best Rock to Humbug Mt. |
Oct. 15 - earlier of Nov. 30, 2010 or 1,250 Chinook quota |
Daily landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook
Chinook 28" minimum length |
Single point barbless hooks, 4 spreads per wire
Mandatory catch reporting: 541-867-0300 x252 |
Chetco River Terminal Area Sport |
Twin Rocks to OR/CA Border (0-3 miles) |
Oct. 1-12, 2010 |
1 Chinook per day, no more than 5 for the season
Chinook 24" minimum length |
No more than 2 single point barbless hooks |
Chetco River Terminal Area Commercial Troll |
Twin Rocks to OR/CA Border (0-3 miles |
Oct. 13 - earlier of Oct. 31, 2010 or 500 Chinook quota |
Daily landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook
Chinook 28" minimum length |
Single point barbless hooks, 4 spreads per wire
Mandatory catch reporting: 541-867-0300 x252 |
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved the ocean commercial troll salmon and ocean recreational salmon seasons as proposed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC). A regulation map of the sport ocean seasons (pdf) is now available.
Complete copies of the PFMC sport and commercial regulations are available on the PFMC website.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has adopted a set of final ocean salmon fishery seasons. These seasons must still be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, as well as, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission before becoming law. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will review and consider for adoption the PFMC adopted seasons on Friday, April 23 rd. The proposed commercial troll regulations (pdf) are available on the PFMC website and the proposed sport regulations(pdf) are also available
A graphic summary of the commercial seasons proposed off Oregon is available here: Oregon Troll Regulations (pdf)
A graphic summary of the recreational seasons proposed is available here: Oregon Sport Regulations (pdf)
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has taken in-season management action to cancel the March 15 openings in the ocean Chinook salmon seasons off Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN (1): The commercial ocean troll salmon fishery for all species except coho between Cape Falcon, Oregon and the Oregon/California Border that was scheduled to open for the period of March 15 through April 30 has been closed by in-season management action by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
ACTION TAKEN (2): The recreational ocean salmon fishery for all species except coho between Cape Falcon, Oregon and Humbug Mt., Oregon that was scheduled to open for the period of March 15 through April 30 has been closed by in-season management action by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
RATIONALE: Chinook salmon forecasts for numerous runs that contribute to ocean salmon fisheries off Oregon are expected to allow some fisheries in 2010, but in order to develop the best range of fishing options for the remainder of 2010, the March and April seasons were eliminated this spring. Of specific concern is the continued low number of fall Chinook within the Sacramento River.
The 2010 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2010. This pre-season planning meeting will give an early look at the 2010 salmon forecasts, and develop recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held at the Hallmark Resort Hotel, 744 SW Elizabeth St., Newport.
The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean anglers, commercial salmon troll fishers, and others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2010 season. The meeting is expected to start at 9:30 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM. OCZMA Letter (pdf) and Agenda (pdf) can be downloaded.
Fishery managers of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife have discussed the status of the commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within state waters (0-3 nautical miles) off the Elk River.
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial troll ocean Chinook salmon fishery within the Elk River Terminal Area off the Elk River between will close to fishing effective 11:59PM on Monday, October 19, 2009.
RATIONALE: The Elk River Fall Chinook commercial troll season was scheduled to be open for the period of October 15 through the earlier of November 30 or a quota of 300 landed Chinook, with a single daily possession and landing limit of 20 Chinook. As of Sunday October 18 a total of 269 Chinook had been landed in the fishery. In order to stay within the 300 Chinook quota, it was determined to be necessary to close the commercial troll season by Monday night.
The commercial troll salmon season in the area between the Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon will continue for the final scheduled open period of September 12-15. Fishermen are reminded that the open period landing and possession limits are currently 100 adipose fin clipped coho salmon and 75 chinook salmon.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management area from Leadbetter Pt., Washington southto Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Monday, September 7, 2009, the ocean recreational salmon fishery between Leadbetter Pt., Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon will reopen to fishing. Fishing will continue through the earlier of September 30 or the coho quota of 96,500 fin-clipped coho. Daily bag limit remains two salmon, but all coho salmon must have a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE: Action was taken on August 26 to close the season in the Columbia River Ocean Area effective at the end of the fishing day on August 31 when landings were projected to meet the allowable catch quota. However, catches came in substantially lower than projected due to weather issues, and over 13,000 coho remain on the quota. Delaying the reopening until Monday is expected to provide a better chance to allow the fishery to continue through the end of September without any additional management action.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, state of Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery from Cape Falcon, Oregon to the Oregon/California border. The following action was taken:
ACTION TAKEN: The remainder of the June-August recreational adipose fin-clipped coho quota of 110,000 coho is transferred to the September ocean recreational selective coho quota and to the September ocean commercial troll non-selective coho quota on an impact neutral basis. This transfer results in a transfer of 2,560 coho to the recreational quota for a revised quota of 9,560, and 10,240 coho to the commercial troll quota for a revised quota of 21,240 coho.
RATIONALE: This transfer of coho was established at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting, and is expected to insure that the recreational September selective coho season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. will continue for the entire month of September without closure, and that the remaining allowable impacts are available for the commercial troll salmon fishery.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken:
ACTION TAKEN: The open period landing and possession limit of adipose fin clipped coho salmon is reduced from 200 per open period to 100 per open period effective with the September 5-8 open period.
RATIONALE: An estimated 2,400 coho remain on the quota of 33,600 coho. In the most recent two open periods, 2,550 coho and 2,680 coho were landed respectively. Reducing the open period limit was identified by fishery managers as the most effective means by which to stay within the overall catch quota. Another conference call will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 10 to consider whether another open period will be possible in this fishery.
Regarding the August 26 action taken on the Columbia River ocean area recreational fishery, the following questions and answers are provided:
Q: Why can’t fish be transferred from S. of Cape Falcon quota to N. of Cape Falcon quota?
A: The Ocean Salmon Management Plan established by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) contains the rules that govern what inseason fishery management actions can and cannot be taken. The plan can be found on the PFMC’s website. Direct link to the plan (pdf)
The rule that prohibits the transfers between N and S of Cape Falcon will be found in section 10: Inseason Management Actions and Procedures. The reasons behind prohibiting transfers between N and S of Cape Falcon goes back to the root of how seasons are set in the first place, with modeled impacts on numerous salmon stocks, allocation planning between all the different fishing groups (recreational ocean S of Falcon, commercial ocean S of Falcon, recreational ocean N of Falcon, commercial ocean N of Falcon,, recreational river, commercial river, recreational Puget Sound, commercial Puget Sound, tribal ocean, tribal river, and tribal coastal WA), and conservation limitations.
In the initial season setting process, there were plans established on transferring any remaining portion of the June-August S of Cape Falcon coho quota (on an impact neutral basis) to the September recreational and commercial fisheries. Those transfers will be made in early September after the catch numbers from the summer recreational fishery have been finalized. Any other transfer would violate the adopted regulations as established through the PFMC season setting process that concluded in April.
Q: Why can’t more coho be transferred from Westport?
A: The transfer of fish from Westport to the Columbia River area was made only with the consent of the Westport recreational fishery port representative. That transfer was made with the expectation that it would not result in a closure to the Westport area prior to the scheduled ending date for their season. At this point, the forecast for the coho required to reach the end of the season at Westport, does not allow for the transfer of any additional coho.
It is also important to remember that quotas are not a guaranteed catch, but rather a cap that is not to be exceeded. If a quota is not reached prior to the scheduled ending date for a season, the season still ends on the scheduled date. Also, managers are mandated to stay within the total allowable catch (TAC) for fisheries N of Cape Falcon. Any overage from one coho quota would need to come out of another area or other non-tribal fishery’s quota.
Q: The ocean conditions are going to keep people off the water, why wasn’t the weather taken into consideration when making the decision?
A: Fishery managers have a tough enough time predicting the fish and fishing activity, and meteorologists have not proven to much more reliable at predicting ocean and weather conditions more than a couple of days in advance. Past experience of fishery managers trying to take the weather into account has resulted in several major miscalculations. Fishery managers did try and temper the catch estimate this week due to observed weather issues between Monday and Wednesday, and the realization that conditions were likely to be less than ideal for the remainder of the week, but that still came down to a reasonable chance that the quota would be approached by early in the week of August 31 through September 6.
Q: How fast is the coho quota being caught?
A: The rate of approach to the coho quota had been running at about 16% per week for the three weeks prior to the most recent week. Last week weather conditions slowed the catch to 9% of the quota. With 20% of the adjusted coho quota remaining, and the possibility that almost 18% could be taken during the final eight days of fishing; the only real choice available to managers was to close Monday night. If it turns out that catches were very light and a substantial number of coho remain on the quota, managers will consider the possibility of reopening the season.
Q: Doesn’t the Buoy 10 fishery take some of the pressure off of the ocean fishery?
A: Past experience shows just the opposite. A good Buoy 10 fishery, brings lots more anglers to the lower Columbia River. When the ocean is open, almost all charter vessels will fish the ocean. On top of that, the ocean catch rates tend to be better than the river catch rate (especially early in August), and if ocean conditions are good, many private boat anglers that came to fish Buoy 10 will end up heading outside to fish the ocean.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area from Leadbetter Pt., Washington south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon season in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Monday, August 31, at 11:59PM, the recreational ocean salmon season between Leadbetter Point, Washington and Cape Falcon, Oregon will close to all salmon fishing.
RATIONALE: The Columbia River ocean area is rapidly approaching their adjusted catch quota of 96,500 fin-clipped coho. Landings slowed last week and early this week with poor weather conditions, and allowed fishery managers to leave the season open through the weekend. Note: This closure does not include the ongoing recreational fishery inside the Columbia River upstream of Buoy 10.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area from Leadbetter Pt., Washington south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon season in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective August 21, 2009, a transfer of 8,750 coho from the Westport ocean salmon management area coho quota will be made to the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area recreational coho quota. This transfer, which must remain impact neutral to critical stocks, will result in a realized increase of 8,300 coho in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area with a resulting total quota of 96,500 fin clipped coho (up from 88,200).
RATIONALE: The Columbia River ocean area is rapidly approaching their catch quota of 88,200 fin-clipped coho, and the coho quota was expected to be met sometime around the middle of next week. This transfer will allow the recreational fishery to continue with another evaluation of the fishery scheduled for 1:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26. This transfer of coho is not anticipated to result in an early closure in the Westport area.
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the areas from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon season in the LaPush Ocean Salmon Management Area off Washington:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective August 14, 2009, a transfer of 1,250 coho from the Neah Bay ocean salmon management area coho quota and a transfer of 1,250 coho from the Westport ocean salmon management area coho quota will be made to the LaPush ocean salmon management area coho quota.
RATIONALE: The LaPush ocean salmon management area coho catches were predicted to meet the ocean coho quota for this area sometime this week. The transfer of 2,500 coho to the LaPush quota is expected to allow their season to continue through at least August 23 rd, and the transfer is not expected to result in an early closure in either the Neah Bay or Westport areas.
NOTE: Another conference call has been tentatively scheduled for 1:00 PM Thursday, August 20 to discuss the North of Cape Falcon fisheries. It is anticipated that action will need to be taken with respect to the Columbia River ocean salmon management area at that time as catches are forecast to be approaching the coho quota.
The 2009 recreational albacore fishery off Oregon got a late start this year due to weather and ocean conditions, but has now had two strong weeks of landings. Total 2009 Oregon sport albacore landings have already exceeded all years except 2007. Two graphs comparing the annual catches from 1999 through 2008 to the 2009 landings through August 9th are available here (pdf) and here (pdf)
The National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fishery Management Council, states of Washington and Oregon, and ocean fishers have reviewed the status of the ocean recreational salmon fishery in the areas from the US/Canada Border south to Cape Falcon, Oregon. The following action was taken relative to the recreational ocean salmon seasons in the
Neah
Bay
, LaPush,
Westport
, and Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Areas:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective August 1, 2009, the daily bag limit in the recreational ocean salmon seasons in all ocean areas from the US/Canada Border to
Cape Falcon
,
Oregon
is increased to allow up to 2 chinook salmon in the bag limit. Daily bag limit will now be 2 salmon per day, and all retained coho must have a healed adipose fin clip.
RATIONALE: In the regulation setting process earlier this spring, the bag limit was set with a limitation of only one chinook per day. This limitation was established to ensure that adequate chinook would be available for the full season. Through July 26, chinook catches in the areas between the US/Canada Border and
Cape
Falcon
had only reached 24% of the quota, and historical average catches in August indicate that less than 50% of the quota would be likely to be taken in August. In order to more fully utilize the available chinook quota, the removal of the no more than 1 chinook in the bag limit restriction was made. Anglers are reminded that the chinook minimum length is 24 inches.
NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action to modify the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN: (1) The open period landing limit of 40 chinook per vessel is increased to 75 chinook per vessel per open period effective with the July 18-21 open period, and (2) the remainder of the chinook quota from the May-June troll fishery was tentatively transferred to the summer fishery on an impact neutral basis. This resulted in a transfer of 2,800 chinook to the summer fishery increasing the quota from 6,765 to 9,565 fish. This tentative transfer will be reviewed by the Salmon Technical Team before being finalized.
RATIONALE: The commercial troll salmon fishery has averaged 545 chinook (8% of original and 6% of the revised quota) and 4,421 coho (13% of quota) during the first two open periods. In order to better match up the landings and quotas, the increase in the chinook open period limit is expected to result in chinook and coho landings to approach their respective quotas at the approximately the same rate. Managers will continue to closely monitor the landings, and may propose additional changes to open period landing limits to maximize the utilization of both quotas.
The advent of selective (fin-clipped hatchery) coho fisheries in recent years has been an effective tool to allow for longer fishing seasons and larger quotas than could be allowed in a fishery where non-clipped coho are allowed in the bag limit. Selective fishing seasons are considered in those areas where hatchery salmon will make up the majority of the catch, where the majority of the hatchery salmon are fin-clipped, and where conservation concerns do not allow for a non-selective season of acceptable length. Allowable impacts to some of our wild coho populations have meant that as little as 8% of the population can be impacted. In 2009, ocean fisheries for coho were limited to 13% of the wild run for Lower Columbia River coho (LCN) and 15% of the Oregon Coastal Natural coho (OCN). When divided up between all of the ocean fisheries that intercept those coho, LCN coho was the stock that most limited fisheries along the Oregon Coast, and only 2.6% of the LCN coho were allowed to be impacted in the South of Cape Falcon recreational salmon fishery.
The most common concern expressed by anglers about selective fisheries is that some of the released fish will not survive. That is the tradeoff that has to be made for a selective fishery to work. The hook and release mortality rate for ocean sport caught salmon is estimated to be about 15% of the fish handled. This mortality is included in the analysis when the ocean salmon seasons are developed in the spring. In a non-selective fishery every wild coho encountered counts against the allowable impact, but in a selective coho fishery only 15% of the wild coho caught and released will count against the allowable impact.
In most years, that means a selective fishery coho quota that will be at least three to four times greater than if anglers were allowed to retain all coho.
Currently, about 70% of the hatchery coho in the ocean off Oregon were fin-clipped at their hatchery of origin. When combined with the wild coho, the fin-clipped rate should be somewhat better than 50% of the coho anglers encounter in 2009. This rate will vary depending on when and where you are fishing. Highest fin-clipped rates will be encountered prior to mid-August, and should be higher on the North and Central Oregon Coast than on the South Coast. This is because the majority of hatchery coho in the ocean off Oregon come from releases in the Columbia River basin. Those fish begin to return to the Columbia in August, and tend to be in greater abundance closer to the Columbia. Of the fish that are unclipped, roughly half of those are actually of wild origin with the remainder being unclipped hatchery coho.
For example, using a rough breakdown of the preseason expectations from this season, out of 100 coho hooked and brought to a boat, if 58 of those were fin-clipped hatchery coho that would be kept, there would be
25 non fin-clipped hatchery coho that would have to be released, and 17 wild coho that would be released. Of the 17 released wild coho, the expectation is that 2-3 would not survive (15% mortality). For the same 58 retained coho catch in a non-selective fishery, the catch would consist of 48 hatchery coho and 10 wild coho. So for that same boat to stay with the same number of impacted wild coho as in the selective fishery, their catch in a non-selective season would decline from the 58 retained fin-clipped hatchery coho to a total of 15 retained coho (12-13 hatchery coho and 2-3 wild coho).
When the public has been presented the option of a larger selective quota vs. a much smaller non-selective coho quota, they have always chosen the selective fishery option. This year, the choice for the Cape Falcon to the Oregon/California Border season was between a selective quota of 117,000 fin-clipped coho and a non-selective quota that would have been about 30,000 coho. Other changes to season dates, bag limit, and days open per week would have likely been made as well.
Some of our local runs of OCN coho have been doing very well over the past several years, and this year we are planning to allow for limited harvest of coho in four of our coastal estuaries and two of our lakes where we have seen the strongest populations. The four newly adopted estuary seasons will be managed with very conservative quotas to insure
that harvest does not put the spawning population at risk.
As the Oregon Coastal Natural coho population continues to rebound, we remain hopeful that we may yet be able to move towards more of the traditional non-selective fisheries. In the meantime, we will continue to strive towards providing fish and fishing opportunities where we can.
The May/June commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon will continue without modification through the final scheduled open period of June 27-30. Trollers are reminded that any chinook from this open period must be landed and delivered prior to participating in the coho season that opens on July 1.
The commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon that opened on May 1 has taken an estimated 10,320 Chinook out of the quota of 13,735 through the first seven open periods. This leaves 3,416 Chinook on the quota, and the fishery is expected to continue without modification at this time, through the next opening scheduled for June 20-23.
The commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon that opened on May 1 has taken an estimated 9,759 Chinook out of the quota of 13,735 through the first six open periods. This leaves 3,976 Chinook on the quota, and the fishery will continue without modification at this time, but a conference call to discuss the status of the fishery and potential inseason changes may occur prior to the opening scheduled for June 20-23. Catches have been best along the central Washington Coast, but continued very poor in the Columbia River ocean area. Oregon landings have totaled less than 300 Chinook during the first six open periods.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted State Waters (0-3 NM) fall chinook seasons for sport and commercial fisheries off Tillamook Bay and Elk River on Friday, June 5, 2009. No State Waters fall seasons were approved off the Chetco River for fall 2009. Links to the regulations for these approved seasons can be found on the Special State Waters Chinook Seasons webpage.
The commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon that opened on May 1 has taken an estimated 8,103 Chinook out of the quota of 13,735 through the first five open periods. This leaves 5,632 Chinook on the quota, and the fishery will continue without modification at this time, but a conference call to discuss the status of the fishery and potential inseason changes are likely prior to the opening scheduled for June 13-16. Catches have been best along the central Washington Coast, but continued very poor in the Columbia River ocean area. Oregon landings have totaled less than 250 Chinook during the first five open periods.
The commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon that opened on May 1 has taken an estimated 3,401 Chinook out of the quota of 13,735 through the first three open periods. This leaves 10,334 Chinook on the quota, and the fishery will continue without modification at this time. Catches have been best along the North Washington Coast, but very poor in the Westport and Columbia River ocean areas. Oregon landings were less than 100 Chinook during the first three open periods.
The regulations for ocean salmon seasons as proposed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council have been ratified by both the Secretary of Commerce and by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Contact:
Ron Boyce
(971) 673-6081
Bob Buckman (541) 265-8306
Jessica Sall
(503) 947-6023
Internet: www.dfw.or.us Fax: (503) 947-6009
ODFW seeks input on upcoming coho, fall chinook salmon seasons
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be hosting public meetings in several coastal communities to solicit input on regulations for the 2009 fall chinook salmon season and on new wild coho fisheries being proposed for selected waters on the Oregon coast.
The meetings are planned for April 28-30 in North Bend, Newport, Gold Beachand Tillamook.
While fishery biologists predict another weak return of fall chinook to coastal rivers, bays and estuaries, they also are anticipating a large wild coho salmon return that could mean the first wild coho fisheries in an Oregon coast river basin since 1994. These proposed fisheries will have daily and seasonal bags limits and overall quotas similar to fisheries on wild coho that have been open in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes since 2003.
“We anticipate the final 2009 regulations for coastal fall chinook may look a lot like the emergency regulations put in place last year for some rivers but may need to be more restrictive for other rivers,” said Ron Boyce, ODFW Ocean Salmon Columbia River Program manager.
“I think chinook anglers who were on the coastal rivers and bays last year saw just how poor the return was,” Boyce said. “We’re not predicting this year’s return to be much better.”
But the prediction for coastal coho salmon is much brighter, according to Bob Buckman, ODFW district fish biologist inNewport.
Buckman credits a combination of factors for the large coho return, including a good spawning population in 2006 (the parents of this year’s returning fish), favorable ocean conditions, and the habitat protection and restoration activities that have occurred under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds.
The proposed regulations call for limited wild coho fisheries in the tidewater areas of the Nehalem, Yaquina, Coos, and Coquille rivers. The Oregon Coast coho is currently listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. This has required ODFW to conduct extensive biological analysis and take a very precautionary approach in proposing the fisheries.
The recent history of coho returns has been good,” said Buckman. “Combine that with the expected large return this year and we’re confident that a conservative fishery is consistent with the continued conservation of these fish populations.”
Any plan to allow the harvest of wild coastal coho must first be approved by NOAA-Fisheries and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.
At the upcoming public meetings ODFW staff will present information on the run forecasts and proposed structures of the seasons.
“We also hope to get some feedback from the public that we can present to the Fish and Wildlife Commission when it considers these fisheries at its June meeting,” Boyce said.
All meetings are from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The meeting dates and locations are:
North Bend, April 28
North Bend Community Center, 2222 Broadway St, North Bend
Contact: Gary Vonderohe, ODFW, (541) 888-5515
Newport, April 29
Hallmark Resort Newport, 744 Elizabeth, Newport
Contact: Bob Buckman, ODFW, (541) 265-8306 X224
Gold Beach, April 30
Curry Showcase Bldg., Curry Co. Fairgrounds, 29392 Ellensburg Ave.(Hwy 101), Gold Beach
Contact: Todd Confer, ODFW, (541) 247-7605
Tillamook, April 30
Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 5005 Third St. , Tillamook
Contact: Chris Knutsen, ODFW, (503) 842-2741
The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendation to Department of Commerce for the 2009 ocean salmon seasons. The final sport and commercial troll salmon recommendations can be found on the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s website Summary graphics of the 2009 proposed seasons are available on this site for both commercial troll (pdf) and recreational seasons (pdf).
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) completed development of a range of recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing options for the 2009 season. These options now go out for public review and comment prior to March 31. The PFMC will reconvene for the week of April 5-10 to select a final set of recommended salmon season that will then be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce for final approval. A copy of the proposed options can be found on the PFMC website.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of Oregon, and fishery interests has taken in-season management action to cancel the March 15 openings in the ocean Chinook salmon seasons off Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN (1): The commercial ocean troll salmon fishery for all species except coho between Cape Falcon, Oregon and the Oregon/California Border that was scheduled to open for the period of March 15 through April 30 has been closed by in-season management action by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
ACTION TAKEN (2): The recreational ocean salmon fishery for all species except coho between Cape Falcon, Oregon and Humbug Mt., Oregon that was scheduled to open for the period of March 15 through April 30 has been closed by in-season management action by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
RATIONALE: Chinook salmon forecasts for numerous runs that contribute to ocean salmon fisheries off Oregon are estimated to be very low. Of specific concern is the critical low number of fall Chinook within the Sacramento River, which is at the head of the list of issues facing salmon managers this year. This closure will allow fishery managers to better develop a full range of fishing options for the 2009 ocean salmon seasons. A decision on the structure of the salmon seasons will be made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Millbrae, CA during the week of April 4-9.
1/12/2009 MEETING NOTICE: The 2009 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2009. This pre-season planning meeting will give an early look at the 2009 salmon forecasts, and develop recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held at the Hallmark Resort Hotel, 744 SW Elizabeth St., Newport.
The OSIG meeting is sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is open to all ocean anglers, commercial salmon troll fishers, and others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2009 season. The meeting is expected to start at 9:30 AM and conclude by 3:30 PM.
Contact:
Justine Kenyon-Benson - Assistant Project Leader
E-mail: Justine.Kenyon-Benson@odfw.oregon.gov
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
2040 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, Oregon 97365
(541) 867-4741 |