Recreational Fisheries January 2022 Update

Since 1996, the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) has monitored the ocean environment off Washington and Oregon, its interaction with the California Current, and how ocean conditions affect fisheries, with a focus on Pacific salmon.  The NWFSC analyzes ocean conditions and develops a "stoplight" table that can be used to forecast adult salmon returns. The most recent stoplight table indicates that average ocean conditions were good for salmon growth and survival in 2021. This is an improvement over recent years, and anglers can be cautiously optimistic about 2022 adult salmon returns. Check out the 2021 ocean condition indicators and the latest “stoplight” table here...

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting nominations for remaining vacancies for the 2022-2024 Advisory Body term. To ensure consideration, nominations should be received via the Council’s online Advisory Body Nomination Form, no later than 5 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022. Vacancies include the following:

• Groundfish Advisory Subpanel – Sport Fisheries At-Large – 1 Position (WA, OR, or CA) preferably, but not exclusively, requesting nominees with knowledge of WA sport groundfish fisheries
• Salmon Advisory Subpanel – Idaho Sport Fisheries– 1 Position

More information on advisory body opportunities can be found here...

At the November 2021 Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting, the Council took inseason action to reduce fishing mortality of quillback, copper, and vermillion rockfish off California. The recommendation is in response to the recent stock assessments for copper and quillback, and recent high catches of vermilion rockfish. California anglers will see a sub-bag limit of 4 fish for vermilion rockfish, 1 fish for quillback rockfish, and 1 fish for copper rockfish for the 2022 season. Read the Federal Register notice for more information here...

The recreational fishing community lost a legend this month when Dana Wharf Sportfishing founder, Don Hansen, passed away. Don dedicated his life to the marine resources of the West Coast. He led the Pacific Fishery Management Council through the recovery of many West Coast groundfish stocks and participated in international fisheries negotiations as a U.S. delegate to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. He leaves a legacy of support for sustainable fisheries management, and he will be greatly missed. Find our tribute here…

In 1972, in response to growing public concern about the state of our environment, Congress enacted banner legislation designed to protect our nation’s ocean and coasts. This year, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary for four important pieces of legislation that shape how we interact with the ocean and coasts: Clean Water Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Marine Mammals Protection Act, and National Marine Sanctuaries Act. The enactment of these 4 laws shaped our past 50 years and will continue to shape the future. Learn more about ocean and coastal conservation and the role our agency plays in it here...

Voting is now open for NOAA’s Saltwater Fisheries Photo Contest! The top 64 photos are going head to head in brackets. Your vote will decide who makes it to the next round, and who will win the grand prize guided fishing trip to the Florida Keys provided by Bonnier Corp. Check out the top photo submissions and vote here…

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), supported by NOAA Fisheries, is studying pinnipeds (e.g., seals and sea lions) in Oregon waters. Anglers can contribute to this research by reporting pinniped sightings in the Columbia River Basin. The data will be used to identify potential pinniped “hot spots” in the basin for future research or management. Find the Report a seal or sea lion user guide here…