The U.S. Department of Commerce has declared fishery disasters for multiple California salmon runs, including the Sacramento River and Klamath River fall Chinook fisheries for 2024. These determinations enable federal financial relief for affected fishers and businesses, distributed through state and Tribal governments. California’s salmon fisheries have been closed since 2023 to allow populations to recover, with the state seeking $47 million in relief due to severe challenges like drought, wildfires, habitat loss, and climate disruption. However, funding shortfalls in previous requests suggest the full amount may not be granted.
Additionally, NOAA Fisheries approved a disaster determination for the 2023 Squaxin Island Tribe Puget Sound fall chum salmon fishery in Washington, which faced near-total losses. Tribal Chair Kristopher Peters emphasized the cultural and economic importance of these fisheries to the Tribe, highlighting the impact of the low chum returns on their community and way of life.