CFSI salmon buyers/processors will finally receive federal disaster relief funds to provide partial compensation for revenues lost due to the total closure of the 2023 California King Salmon season.
A “blue ribbon committee” was formed that included the California Salmon Counsel, CFSI (on-shore buyers/processors), and other stakeholders (party boats, tribes, in-river guides). After a lengthy bureaucratic disaster relief process, “funds began hitting mailboxes the week of July 14th,” according to CFSI Executive Director, Rob Ross, who sat on the committee.
By law, fund recipients could not be made whole for all of their lost income, but a 5-year average of the price that buyers paid for salmon they purchased prior to the closure (1996-2001) was used as the baseline for allocating disbursement for this sector.
Looking ahead, remember that the California salmon seasons were closed to commercial fishing in 2024 and 2025. CFSI will continue to represent the best interests of salmon buyer/processors on the committee going forward. Any questions, please call Rob Ross at 916-812-4455.