California Governor Gavin Newsom requested a federal fishery disaster declaration to support the albacore fishing industry.
Newsom’s office explained that last year marked the worst season for the West Coast North Pacific pole and troll albacore fishery in over three decades. The fishery declined in volume and value by 71% and 65%, respectively.
Newsom joined the governors of Washington and Oregon and submitted the request to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“To the California communities that rely on albacore fishing: we’re working to get you the relief you need. A federal fishery disaster will help provide relief to an industry that is an essential component of the West Coast economy and provides significant benefits to countless coastal communities,” Newsom said in a statement.
Earlier in the year, Newsom requested a federal fishery disaster ahead of the closure of the state’s ocean salmon season for the second year in a row.
“California is taking action to get our salmon fishing communities the support and relief they need. This request is a critical tool to support impacted Californians, and we look forward to getting families the help they need,” said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
Previous federal fishery disaster declarations have been vital in providing relief to communities impacted by poor fishing seasons, per Newsom’s office.