2015 Ocean Salmon Regulatory Process Update Fish and Game Commission February 11, 2015 Barry Miller 1 Credit: James Phillips Ocean Salmon Regulatory Process Remaining Proceedings 2 ** In effect on or after May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 ISOR # (c) April 2015 Proposed Sport Regulations 3 LocationOpen Within North of Horse Mt.closed Horse Mt. to Pt. ArenaApril 4-30* Pt. Arena to Pigeon Pt.April 4-30* South of Pigeon Pt.April 4-30* *0-2 fish bag limit, 20-26 minimum size limit, 0-7 days per week (Final regulations to be adopted at March FGC teleconference meeting) ISOR # (d) May to November 2015 Proposed Sport Regulations 4 LocationTBD* Within This Range North of Horse Mt.May 1-Sep 30** Horse Mt. to Pt. ArenaMay 1-Nov 8** Pt. Arena to Pigeon Pt.May 1-Nov 8** South of Pigeon Pt.May 1-Oct 4** *To be determined **0-2 fish bag limit, 20-26 minimum size limit, 0-7 days per week (Final regulations to be adopted at April FGC teleconference meeting) Recovery of Coded-Wire Tags from Salmon Heads Section 1.73 Proposed amendment requiring the head of any sport caught salmon with a missing adipose fin to be relinquished upon request by an authorized representative of the Department. Addresses the need for consistency between CA Fish and Game Code and Title 14 to implement the States salmon tagging program. 5 Credit: CDFW Staff Ocean Salmon Fishery Closures Around River Mouths Section Includes specific latitude and longitude coordinates that define existing river mouth closures on the Smith, Klamath, and Eel rivers. Improves clarity, minimizes ambiguity and allows for better enforcement. 6 Effects of Drought on 2015 Ocean Salmon Fisheries The Department of Fish and Wildlife will work with the Fish and Game Commission, using the best available science, to determine whether restricting fishing in certain areas will become necessary and prudent as drought conditions persist. - Governor Browns Drought Declaration January 17, 2015 Ocean Salmon Fisheries In 2015, Chinook that will be harvested in ocean fisheries hatched 2-4 years ago. Fish that hatched this spring will not be taken in 2015 ocean fisheries. 8 Credit: Ed Roberts Sacramento River Fall Chinook Escapement, * = 211,668 Adults 25,359 Jacks *2014 data is preliminary Klamath River Natural Area Fall Chinook Escapement, * = 95,330 Adults 17,269 Jacks Minimum Escapement 40,700 Natural Area Adult Spawner Goal *2014 data is preliminary Summary Closing or curtailing ocean salmon fishing in 2015 will not help this years offspring impacted by the drought. Fish that hatched in 2014 will not be harvested in the ocean for another year. 11 Thank You Barry Miller Environmental Scientist Ocean Salmon Project 12 Credit: Barry Miller