031416CP Salmonseason Web

Regional fishery managers are considering a rare total closure of ocean salmon fisheries in Washington and northern Oregon. They say they have to consider the option to protect fragile runs of coho salmon. For EarthFix, Cassandra Profita reports:The no fishing option is only being considered in the ocean north of Cape Falcon, near Manzanita on Oregon’s North Coast.But that means it could close all the recreational and commercial salmon fishing off of Washington.Butch Smith runs a recreational fishing charter in Ilwaco, Washington. He says about 85 percent of his business depends on ocean salmon fisheries. And a total closure would hurt his business and many others.Smith: “It’ll be devastating to our coastal communities up and down the coast. Fishing is our lifeblood. Fishing is our Boeing and our Microsoft.”Smith sits on an advisory panel that helps set salmon seasons coast-wide. He says there are two other options that would allow some ocean salmon fishing.The Pacific Fishery Management Council will make the final decision next month.I’m Cassandra Profita reporting