03/11/10

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ California's chinook salmon fishery is
likely to be opened this year after two straight closed fishing
seasons, but with restrictions.

Fishermen in Oregon and Washington are poised to have an even
better season because fish are more abundant there.

On Thursday, the Pacific Fishery Management Council approved
three options that outline where West Coast fishermen might be
allowed to cast their lines and nets beginning this spring.

There remains a chance that California's salmon fishery could be
closed altogether when the council issues its final decision during
a meeting in Oregon next month.

If fishing for Sacramento River fall-run chinook salmon is
allowed off California's coast, it would be limited for both
commercial and recreational boats.


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