To add to these economic woes, the ready availability of salmon from aquaculture operations around the world has depressed the prices commercial salmon fishermen receive for their catch. Some salmon trollers can supplement their income by fishing for other species such as albacore, crab and bottomfish. But the days when a troller could earn a decent living from salmon alone appear to be over. Salmon trolling was the traditional entry point into the fishing industry for young people. Not only are a lot of people losing a livelihood, for many families a way of life is coming to an end.
Most observers see a limited future for commercial salmon fishing on the Oregon coast.
Restrictions being considered for various chinook populations could squeeze the trollers even more. Jeff Feldner is an optimist about the future. The best thing we can do is bring habitat back in line with what we know to be suitable for spawning and rearing. And we need to continue to hold catch rates down. Send e-mail to Web site administrator with comments, questions, or suggestions.