U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced Thursday that he would release $53.1 million in badly-needed disaster funds to assist California and Oregon communities devastated by the second year of salmon fishery closures along the coast.
Locke said he is extending the 2008 West Coast salmon disaster declaration for California and Oregon in response to expected poor salmon returns to the Sacramento River.
“Salmon returns are expected to be near record lows again this year,” said Secretary Locke. “The extension of the disaster declaration will ensure that aid will be available to affected fisherman and their families to help offset the economic impact of the closure of the commercial fisheries.”
Locke said funds can also aid fishing-related businesses, such as ice and bait and tackle suppliers, who are struggling with the financial effects of the closure.