Salmon on The Run

Salmon fishing in the Northwest has been markedly missing this year. To a large part this was due to closures to protect threatened species up and down the coast. While the Salmon closure is frustrating for sports fishermen, it is devastating to the commercial fishermen and communities that rely on the salmon for a livelihood. Having grown up in the fishing community in Newport, Oregon, I have some first hand knowledge of the challenges to the industry, but I can only imagine the impact this closure has on families up and down the Pacific coast.

The Smithsonian Magazine this month has an interesting article On California’s Coast, Farewell to the King Salmon that explores the complex issues that threaten our fish and fishermen. It is depressing and hopeful at the same time. I have to believe that if enough attention is paid to the issue, we'll find a away to save and co-exist with these amazing natives. Quite frankly, I have to have hope as I can't imagine the Northwest without salmon.