Salmon season officially cancelled; Guv signs restoration bill
As had been expected and feared, the Pacific Fishery Management Council banned commercial and recreational fishing for salmon along much of the Pacific Coast, including all of California. Gov. Arnold Schwartzenegger declared an emergency to open the door for federal disaster assistance. And the governor signed a bill sponsored by State Sen. Patricia Wiggins, who represents the North Coast, that provides $5.3 million to fund restoration projects for salmon and steelhead in California.
It's the first time in the Management Council's 22-year history it has completely halted salmon fishing in the zone it manages.
Earlier reports stated that one recreational zone off the mouth of the Klamath River would remain open. It's unclear whether this still applies.