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 at http://www.pcouncil.org/2013/04/25020/council-adopted-draft-salmon-mgmt-measures-april13/
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)
There are incorrect rumors circulating amongst the commercial troll salmon fleet regarding the starting date of allowed retention of Pacific halibut incidental to the catch of Chinook salmon in the ocean troll salmon fishery. No retention of Pacific halibut is allowed in April of this year.
The allowed retention of Pacific halibut in the 2013 troll salmon season is not allowed at any time prior to May 1, 2013. At this point in time, the ratio of Chinook required per each retained Pacific halibut and the landing cap per trip have not been finalized for the 2013 season. This will occur at the April 5-11 PFMC meeting in Portland, Oregon. Trollers must have applied for the incidental troll halibut permit prior to April 1, 2013 in order to land any Pacific halibut in those seasons expected to start after May 1, 2013.
Beginning in 2014, the retention of season will open April 1, for any open Chinook salmon seasons at that time. Troll fishermen are reminded that the deadline for permit applications in 2014 with the International Pacific Halibut Commission will be advanced to March 15, 2014.
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. |
