Many salmon stocks are in very poor shape this year, and cannot withstand much harvest if they are ever to recover. Unsustainable logging, pollution, massive water diversions, dams, and other factors have been primarily responsible for the decline of salmon. Fishermen have borne more than their fair share of the short term economic pain associated with protecting salmon, because fisheries can be closed more expeditiously than the other factors that affect salmon can be modified. Still, no matter what is causing the declines, fishing must be limited to sustainable levels. Wild salmon populations must be rebuilt so that fishermen, consumers, and nature lovers can continue to use and enjoy these great fish.
Many coho salmon stocks are also in very poor condition.
Not enough Oregon wild coho are available to meet conservation targets, even without any fishing at all. Unfortunately, the PFMC should close the Oregon wild coho fishery again this year to allow this important stock to rebuild. The Environmental Defense Fund, a leading, national, NY based nonprofit organization, represents 300,000 members. EDF links science, economics, and law to create innovative, economically viable solutions to today's environmental problems.