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The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries suffered a blow as a federal judge rejected their proposition regarding revision of their plan to upgrade biological opinions for fish species. The Bi-Ops were put into action after Federal pumping of freshwater caused immense harm to fish species falling under Endangered Species Act. Earlier, it was reported that Federal agencies have failed to meet the salmon restoration goal. The fact that winter-run salmon and Delta-smelt are on the verge of extinction have raised concerns among officials. The gradual dilation of fish species is also adversely affecting deep sea charter fishing service providers due to the rapid decrease in the number of salmon and other native fishes. If you have followed recent developments in California's fishing industry, you must be aware of how the Central Valley Chinook salmon fishery failed to protect the salmon. “Salmon are the canary in the coal mine for the Bay-Delta economy and ecosystem. California salmon, the fishing industry and the Bay-Delta ecosystem all need adequate water flows to maintain their health over the long-term. The Department of the Interior and the State of California need to dramatically step-up efforts to protect the San Francisco Bay-Delta ecosystem and restore salmon populations,” said Barry Nelson, senior policy analyst with NRDC’s Water Program. As per reports, the massive pumping of fresh water has led to this steady decline. “Our salmon runs are essential to California’s natural heritage, to fishing families and to an industry that reaches from the fishing dock to your dinner table. Restoring healthy salmon runs means healthy local food, healthy communities and a healthy economy,” said Victor Gonella, president of the Golden Gate Salmon Association. Most salmon fishing trips were closed in 2008 and 2009. There was a rebound in between, but the gradual decrease in number of salmon continued, leaving the fishing industry writhing in pain. Moreover, the recent delay for new Delta-smelt and salmon bi-ops adds wounds to the injury. While the judge has denied time extension for revision of plans, the defendant government agencies are claiming that they neither have the resource or the manpower for the Bay-Delta Conversation Plan. Recently changes were made for sturgeon regulations and these have been approved by the California Fish and Game Commission. Here are the proposed changes: - A single shank, single point and barbless hook may be used when taking sturgeon. None can use firearms or other external force to take the sturgeon including gaffing and snagging. The usage of snare is strictly prohibited.
- Any sturgeon measuring more than 68 inches fork length should not be taken out of the water. It should be released immediately.
- Those who are availing deep sea fishing charters should possess a non-transferable Sturgeon Fishing Report Card issued by the department.
The preservation of salmon and other native fishes should be taken care of as soon as possible. If adequate methods are adapted, these fishes can be restored. Moreover, with healthy run, the fishing industry can contribute a lot to the California economy and can create tens and thousands of jobs for the indigenous. Author Bio: John Brown has been working in the fishing industry for years. His articles are a valuable resource for any deep sea charter fishing enthusiast.
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