San Francisco, November 2 – The west coast’s largest organization of commercial fishermen said today they could support legislation aimed at controlling problem sea lions to protect salmon in the Columbia River, but said the real problem is the dam operations.
“If you want to save Columbia River salmon, then you need to cull the four problem dams on the Snake and re-operate the other dams in the basin,” said Zeke Grader, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA). “Stopping predation by sea lions in the river will help a little, and we support it, but sea lions have only a small impact in the Columbia compared to the fish killed by the dams, and it’s not the answer for fish recovery.”
PCFFA has given a conditional endorsement of the Congressional legislation, Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act (H.R.6241), aimed at culling a few dozen problem sea lions in the Columbia River that prey on endangered salmon. The reason the fish are endangered, however, says the fishing group, is because of the Columbia River dams, not the sea lions or the commercial fishing industry. Marine mammals forage salmon, among many other species, and account for an estimated 3% of salmon mortality in the Columbia. The dams kill 80% or more.
The federal agencies which run the Bonneville Dam have tried numerous hazing methods on the marine mammals to deter them, yet some are simply not responsive to such measures, and a few have learned to climb the fish ladders. These few dozen serious problem animals are the concern of the bill. H.R. 6241 would be an amendment to the Marine Mammals Protection Act (1972), which already contains procedures for killing problem animals, proposing an allocation of permits to eligible entities to lethally remove no more than 1% of the annual potential biological removal levels to assist with salmon restoration along the Columbia River.
PCFFA agrees that there might be situations under which strict biological criteria are utilized to lethally remove marine mammals when other non-lethal measures have repeatedly failed. “However, if we begin to cull the sea lions we must be prepared to also cull the dams,” states Dave Bitts, a commercial salmon fisherman from the Humboldt Fishermen’s Marketing Association.
Additionally, lethal removal of a portion of the sea lions could address only a very minor component of the problem facing salmonids. PCFFA and many commercial fishermen adamantly believe that it cannot be the only approach to salmonid restoration. Dave Bitts also noted, “It is clear that if all the focus of salmonid restoration is on sea lions then the fish will loose. Government cannot use sea lions as the scapegoat to get out of true salmon restoration.”
The larger picture needs to be addressed in salmon restoration, including the far greater impacts of the dams themselves. Culling sea lions is a small movement towards tackling these problems, but it is an extremely incomplete answer to the multi-layered problem of salmonid population declines over the past decades. PCFFA believes that this action might be necessary in this special case, but cautions against the use of the proposed amendment as any sort of permanent answer to salmonid conservation needs. If we cull some of the Columbia sea lions, we should be prepared to cull some of the Columbia dams as well.
Salmon Disaster Relief Bill in Danger of Sinking During Final Hours of Legislative
Session
PCFFA press release
San Francisco, August 31 - Legislation aimed at providing
some state aide to California’s beleaguered salmon fishing families and
their dependent communities and businesses, is in danger of sinking in the final
hours of this year’s California legislative session
A relief package, similar to one put in place earlier this year by Oregon, had
been crafted by the Governor and a bi-partisan group of legislators but has run
afoul of the Assembly Speaker’s office that has refused to grant the legislation
a hearing or let any funds for salmon disaster relief off the Assembly floor.
“The salmon fishery along the West Coast is reeling from the devastating
closures that were imposed due to massive fish die-offs that have occurred in
the Klamath River since 2002,” said Zeke Grader, Executive Director of
the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. “The fish
kills were not the fault of fishermen, but the federal government’s response
was to severely restrict fishing along the West Coast resulting in a loss of
90 percent or more of salmon fishermen’s income.”
In response to the restrictions placed on the fishery last year and the even
more severe restrictions placed on commercial and tribal fishermen this year,
the governors of California and Oregon declared their states’ fisheries
a disaster. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce subsequently declared a fishery failure
for West Coast salmon that may help to open up some forms of badly-needed federal
financial help for fishermen.
Working with the Governor’s office, a bill was crafted, SB 1127, sponsored
by Senators Wes Chesbro (D-Arcata), Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) and Assemblymember
Patty Berg (D-Eureka), to provide approximately $25 million in loans and grants
to help fishing families and businesses. The measure had broad bi-partisan support
and included many coastal co-authors. A problem with one of the bill’s
funding sources, the Boating & Waterways revolving loan fund account, was
resolved when a transfer of monies from that fund was dropped and there was no
known opposition to the relief package.
Although the state funds are seen as just part of an overall package aimed at
financially assisting fishing communities and fixing the fish problems in the
Klamath that are the root cause of the disaster, they are considered important
said Grader.
“It will be hard to argue for the millions we need in federal assistance
for the West Coast if California does nothing,” said Grader. “Oregon
has put up state funds and now it’s California’s turn.”
At stake, says the fishing association, are the boats, the homes, and the futures
of hundreds of fishermen who have worked long and hard to rebuild salmon stocks.
Fishermen and legislative leaders are expressing anger and frustration over the
actions of the Department of Commerce and its National Marine Fisheries Service
in causing the Klamath fish disaster in the first place and then failing to acknowledge
the problem for more than two years. Now some of that anger is being voiced against
the Speaker and his staff for their insensitivity on the issue.
“I can’t believe a Democratic leader of a Democratic-led legislature
would turn his back on a whole class of working people and basically abandon
them to die,” said Eureka fisherman Dave Bitts. “Disaster relief
is a bi-partisan cause, involving two governors from different parties and legislators
from both sides of the aisle. For the Speaker to try to blame the Governor for
the failure to get this much needed relief passed stinks of the kind of partisan
bickering and gamesmanship that has the whole state disgusted with Sacramento
and everyone in the town.”
Grader said he was still hopeful the Speaker would agree to a disaster package,
but said “hopes are dimming with every hour that goes by as we wind down
the Legislative session this evening.”
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Gov. Schwarzenegger Responds to Legislature Blocking Relief Package for Salmon Fishermen, Industry
Governor Schwarzenegger expressed concern and disappointment today with the Legislature's failure to act on SB 1127 by Senators Chesbro and Aanestad, a Schwarzenegger sponsored bill that would have provided critical relief to the salmon industry in California. Salmon fishermen have been devastated by the federal government's partial closure of commercial salmon fishing season earlier this year.
"It is a great disappointment and mistake for the Legislature to block the passage of this important legislation that would have benefited salmon fishermen and the industry that was so hard hit by the restricted fishing season," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "For months, joined by Senator Feinstein and others, my administration has demanded that the federal government recognize this commercial disaster and provide relief measures. We cannot turn our back on those in need of this vital relief package or force these Californians to wait for federal help. As I have done all along, I will continue to do whatever it takes to help the fisherman of the North Coast."
The legislation would have provided $26 million for salmon fishermen. Specifically, the proposal provides $5 million in grants and $20 million for a zero interest revolving loan program. The legislation also proposes to expand the Small Business Expansion Fund by $1 million.
In June, the Governor ordered the Department of Finance to appropriate and maintain $778,000 as a guarantee in the Small Business Expansion Fund, leveraging up to $9.2 million in loans to prevent business insolvencies and the loss of employment caused by the partial closure of salmon season. The Schwarzenegger Administration is currently evaluating ways to expand this program.
For several months, Governor Schwarzenegger has worked to provide relief to salmon fishermen who have been impacted by the federal government's severe restriction of salmon season along the West Coast. The federal government's conservation effort was predicated on concerns that Klamath Basin Chinook Salmon that commingle with other runs of salmon in ocean waters off of California and Oregon have been declining in abundance, due to poor ocean conditions, drought, water management issues, disease and the elimination of access to historical spawning habitat.
Text of Letter from California, Oregon and Washington Officials to Congress
on Relief for Salmon Fishermen
The below letter signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senators Feinstein and Boxer and
the Governors and U.S. Senators of Oregon and Washington was delivered to
Congress today.
August 18, 2006
The Honorable Thad Cochran, The Honorable Robert C. Byrd
Chairman, Ranking Minority Member
Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate, United States Senate
S-128 Capitol, S-125A Capitol
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Richard C. Shelby
Chairman
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Barbara A. Mikulski Ranking Minority Member
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
RE: Salmon Commercial Fishery Failure Funding
Dear Chairman Cochran, Chairman Shelby, Senator Byrd and Senator Mikulski,
Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez has declared a commercial fishery
failure pursuant to section 312(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act for the salmon fishing season in the states of California
and Oregon (declaration attached). This is only the second time ever that
the Secretary of Commerce has declared a commercial fishery failure before
the fishing season has ended, which underscores the magnitude of the disaster.
We appreciate the extraordinary personal attention the Secretary and his
staff have given to this severe situation on our coast. We are writing
to seek your assistance in providing emergency funding to help the affected
fishing communities, either through an amendment or in conference.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council closed commercial salmon fishing this
season along more than 400 nautical miles of coast, stretching from Florence,
Oregon to Pigeon Point, California. The Council took such a drastic step
because for the third consecutive year, the number of naturally spawning
Klamath River Chinook salmon is expected to fall below the conservation floor
called for in the fishery management plan for salmon.
The largest fishery closure ever on the West Coast, this Federal decision
is already having a devastating impact on our rural, coastal economies. According
to the Secretary's declaration, the harvest of the commercial salmon fishery
in California and Oregon is expected to plummet by 88% from the recent annual
average, and ex-vessel revenue is expected to drop by 84%.
In our coastal communities, businesses are closing and people are missing
mortgage, lease, and electricity payments. There are 1042 salmon trollers
in the affected area, and thousands of fishermen whose livelihoods have been
taken away from them.
The Secretary has calculated that this disaster has caused $16 million in
direct harm to the commercial salmon fishery. The Secretary has asked for
the States' assistance in measuring the damage to the recreational fishery
and to the industries affected downstream (businesses such as docks, warehouses,
and icehouses). As soon as we get that information, we will forward it to
you. We request your help in providing the necessary emergency funding to
the affected communities in our states.
Thank you for your time and consideration of our request. Please do not hesitate
to contact us with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ted Kulongoski, Christine Gregoire
Governor of California, Governor of Oregon, Governor of Washington
Dianne Feinstein, Ron Wyden, Patty Murray
United States Senator, United States Senator, United States Senator
Barbara Boxer, Gordon Smith, Maria Cantwell
United States Senator, United States Senator, United States Senator
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Statement by Gov. Schwarzenegger on Federal Declaration for Salmon Fishermen
Governor Schwarzenegger issued the following statement after U.S. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez announced that the federal government has declared a commercial fishery failure along the West Coast, an important step toward providing critical federal assistance to the salmon industry in California. "For months, we have had clear signs that the federal government's severely restricted season would have widespread impacts on the salmon industry and the local economy. I am pleased that our joint efforts between California and Oregon have resulted in a determination that will lead to federal relief for the salmon fishermen and the businesses that depend on a plentiful fishing season. "I will continue to work with Senator Feinstein and California's Congressional delegation to help secure funding to provide relief to those who are at risk of losing their boats, permanently shutting their doors or being forced out of their livelihoods. "The partial closure of salmon season has created severe economic hardship for California's vital salmon industry and the communities along the coast. Since May, salmon fishermen have averaged a mere nine percent of their seasonal catch. This extremely low number has resulted in less than 15 percent of their average revenues. These numbers cause great concern as the impacts of this season could impact the industry for years to come. The declaration by Secretary Gutierrez is a direct result of our dogged efforts to give Congress the support they need to seek appropriations for relief to those who rely on salmon season for their livelihood." Background:
For several months, Governor Schwarzenegger has worked to provide relief to salmon fishermen who have been impacted by the federal government's severe restriction of salmon season along the West Coast. The federal government's conservation effort was predicated on concerns that Klamath Basin Chinook Salmon that commingle with other runs of salmon in ocean waters off of California and Oregon have been declining in abundance, due to poor ocean conditions, drought, water management issues, disease and the elimination of access to historical spawning habitat. Chronology of Efforts:
July 7, 2006 - Governor Schwarzenegger and Oregon Governor Kulongoski send letter to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee asking for assistance on behalf of salmon fishermen.
July 3, 2006 - Governor Schwarzenegger renewed his call on the federal government to provide critical relief to salmon fishermen. The Governor joined Senators Feinstein and Boxer on a conference call with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gutierrez along with the Governor of Oregon and several members of California and Oregon's Congressional Delegation including Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Helena) and Oregon Senators Gordon Smith (R) and Ron Wyden (D).
June 29, 2006 - Governor Schwarzenegger announced a relief package of $35 million in grants and loans for salmon fishermen and added three counties to those in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed, including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Trinity counties.
June 29, 2006 - Included in the relief package of $35 million, the Governor added money to the Small Business Expansion Fund, making the total fund guarantees available nearly $20 million.
June 29, 2006 - Governor also called for all impacted fishermen to be reimbursed their commercial salmon fishing license fees, and for next year's license fees to be waived.
June 26, 2006 - Governor Schwarzenegger sent a letter urging the U.S. Commerce Secretary to provide assistance to the salmon fishermen.
June 6, 2006 - Governor proclaimed an emergency in 10 California counties including Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties.
June 6, 2006 - In his proclamation of emergency, the Governor directed the Department of Finance to appropriate and maintain $778,000 as a guarantee in the Small Business Expansion Fund, leveraging up to $9.2 million in loans to prevent business insolvencies and the loss of employment. <http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/press_release_2006/Disaster_Assistance_Program_Description-Chinook_Salmon.pdf>(see link for information on existing loan guarantee program)
April 28, 2006 -- Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Kulongoksi of Oregon sent joint letters to several members of Congress in support of efforts made to address the emergency situation posed by the potential restriction of salmon season.
April 28, 2006 - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Services, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, adopted an emergency rule recommended by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) to restrict salmon fishing.
April 6th, 2006 - the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) voted to recommend restrictions on salmon fishing opportunities for commercial and recreational anglers along the coasts of California and Oregon.
April 5, 2006 - Governor Schwarzenegger sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez requesting federal assistance should salmon season be closed or restricted. By requesting an official determination of commercial fishery failure, an analysis of the financial impact and expedited funding, the Governor's letter laid the groundwork for economic assistance for the businesses and communities impacted.
October, 2004 - Governors Schwarzenegger and Kulongoski signed the Klamath River Watershed Coordination Agreement along with the responsible federal agencies to address the impacts to the fisheries in the region and to develop a long-term management approach, common vision and integrated planning associated with the Klamath Basin.
North Coast Legislators to
Introduce Salmon Relief Bill
Berg, Chesbro and Aanestad work with governor on bill to help
fishing community.
SACRAMENTO –
North Coast lawmakers joined with the Schwarzenegger Administration on Thursday
to provide financial relief to the men and women whose livelihoods have been
put at risk because of the depleted stock of salmon in the Klamath River.
Under a freshly drafted bill, the state Department of Fish and
Game would create a $5 million emergency grant program for commercial fishermen
and commercial vessel operators, waive certain licensing fees, and create the
legal framework for a zero-interest loan program.
With the governor’s backing, Assemblywoman Patty Berg, D-Eureka,
joined with state senators Wesley Chesbro, D-Arcata, and Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, to move the bill through
the Legislature.
The measure comes as lawmakers struggle to help those who are
hardest hit by federal restrictions on salmon fishing this year. The salmon
season in California waters
has all but been eliminated in an attempt to allow Klamath River salmon
populations to bounce back after years of decline.
The bill was announced the same day the state Assembly unanimously
approved a resolution by Berg calling on the federal government to provide more
assistance for the commercial fishermen and women and the businesses that serve
them.
“All of this hardship on these people, and none of it is their
fault,” said Berg. “I truly hope this is just the beginning of what we can do
for them.”
Earlier this month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a disaster
declaration about the salmon shortage and has repeatedly called on federal
officials for assistance.
The measure announced Thursday would put $5 million into a grant
fund, and establish a $20 million revolving loan program that would make
interest-free loans available to the fishing community. It also would provide
state money to help leverage other borrowing opportunities, and would relieve
salmon fishermen and women of having to pay for their licenses this year.
“All of this is good for the short term,” said Berg. “But in the
long run, we are going to have to go back to basics, back to the health of the
rivers and the health of the salmon population.”
Schwarzenegger said the salmon shortage could “literally wipe fishermen
out if they don’t get help.” He said the emergency package totaled $35 million
and would be “a tremendous help to the community.”
The bill will begin moving when the Legislature reconvenes in August.
Below is the Governor’s press release and proclamation about the salmon
crisis. Released 6/29/2006
Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Assistance Measures for California
Salmon Fishermen
In his ongoing efforts to help the California salmon industry
recover from the federal government's partial shutdown of salmon season along
the west coast, Governor Schwarzenegger today announced more than $35 million
additional economic relief measures to help the fishermen. He also proclaimed a state of
emergency in three additional counties, making a total of 13 that have been
impacted.
The Governor is sponsoring legislation to provide an additional
$35 million for impacted families.
Specifically, the proposal provides $5 million in grants and $20 million
for a zero interest revolving loan program. He has also proposing to expand the Small Business Expansion
Fund by $1 million to leverage a total of nearly $20 million in loan
guarantees, including those that were guaranteed earlier this month. The legislation, SB 1127 being authored
by Senators Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) and Wes Chesbro (D-Arcata) and
Assemblymember Patty Berg (D-Eureka).
"Salmon fishing is the economic lifeblood of many Northern
California communities. My administration is committed to helping the fishermen
and communities recover from the hardship and economic loss caused by the
severely restricted salmon season," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I
would like to thank Senators Chesbro and Aanestad and Assemblymember Berg for
their dedication to this recovery effort."
The Governor today proclaimed a state of emergency in San Luis
Obispo, Santa Barbara and Trinity counties. On June 6, he proclaimed an emergency in 10 California
counties including Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma,
Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties.
Also on June 6, the Governor directed the Department of Finance to
appropriate and maintain $778,000 as a guarantee in the Small Business
Expansion Fund, leveraging up to $9.2 million in loans to prevent business
insolvencies and the loss of employment. Today, he added $1 million to this state fund, making
the total fund guarantees available nearly $20 million. Today's proclamation also expands
the number of eligible participants to include those involved in the salmon
distribution chain, such as bait and tackle shops. (<http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/press_release_2006/Disaster_Assistance_Program_Description-Chinook_Salmon.pdf>see link for
information on existing loan guarantee program)
The Governor also called for all impacted fishermen to be
reimbursed their commercial salmon fishing license fees, and for next year's
license fees to be waived.
In an April 5 <http:>letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos
Gutierrez, Governor Schwarzenegger requested federal assistance should salmon
season be closed or restricted. By requesting an official determination of
commercial fishery failure, an analysis of the financial impact and expedited
funding, the Governor's letter laid the groundwork for economic assistance for
the businesses and communities impacted.
This week, the Governor again sent a letter urging the U.S.
Commerce Secretary to provide assistance to the salmon fishermen.
On April 28th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's Fisheries Service's (NOAA Fisheries) adopted an emergency rule
recommended by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) to restrict
salmon fishing. On April 6th, the PFMC voted to recommend restrictions on
salmon fishing opportunities for commercial and recreational anglers along the
coasts of California and Oregon.
The federal government's conservation effort was predicated on
concerns that Klamath Basin Chinook Salmon that commingle with other runs of
salmon in ocean waters off of California and Oregon have been declining in
abundance, due to poor ocean conditions, drought, water management issues,
disease and the elimination of access to historical spawning habitat.
In October 2004, Governors Schwarzenegger and Kulongoski signed
the Klamath River Watershed Coordination Agreement along with the responsible
federal agencies to address the impacts to the fisheries in the region and to
develop a long-term management approach, common vision and integrated planning
associated with the Klamath Basin.
####
A
PROCLAMATION
BY
THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS California's salmon
runs are a vital component of our great State's resources that provide
significant environmental, recreational, commercial, and economic benefits to
the people; and
WHEREAS Klamath River Basin
Chinook Salmon have been significantly impacted by poor ocean conditions,
drought, water management, water quality, water flows, disease, and the
elimination of access to historical spawning habitat; and
WHEREAS the Klamath Basin
Chinook Salmon that commingle with other runs of salmon in ocean waters off of
California and Oregon have been declining in abundance to a point where
California's and Oregon's recreational, commercial, and tribal fisheries are
being significantly constrained to conserve Klamath River Chinook Salmon; and
WHEREAS Klamath River Basin
Chinook Salmon are predicted to have extremely low ocean abundance for 2006 in
waters from Cape Falcon in Oregon to Point Sur in Monterey County, California,
and in the Klamath River Basin; and
WHEREAS restoration of habitat
and improved water quality and flows are critical to restoring an environment
suitable to the long-term sustainability of the Klamath River Basin Chinook
Salmon and other anadromous fish species; and
WHEREAS appropriate management
of the Klamath River Basin Chinook Salmon population is critical to
California's businesses, and local communities that provide goods and services
in support of California's salmon fisheries; and
WHEREAS on April 5, 2006, I
requested Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez to use his authority under the
Magnusen-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to determine that
there has been a commercial fishery failure due to a fishery resource disaster;
and
WHEREAS on April 28, 2006, the
National Marine Fisheries Service adopted an emergency rule to implement the
recommendations of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council that resulted in
severe restrictions on the commercial ocean salmon and Klamath Basin tribal and
recreational fisheries and included restrictions on the recreational ocean
salmon fishery; and
WHEREAS these restrictions will
have significant impacts to California's commercial ocean salmon and in-river
salmon fisheries and will result in severe economic losses throughout the
State; and
WHEREAS the Department of
Finance has determined that approximately $778,000 is continuously appropriated
and available in the Small Business Expansion Fund (Fund 918) for disaster
purposes under the Corporations Code section 14030 et seq.; and
WHEREAS the Small Business
Expansion Fund's available monies can be leveraged to guarantee up to
approximately $9.2 million in loans for disasters, including guaranteeing loans
to prevent business insolvencies and loss of employment in an area affected by
a state of emergency within the State; and
WHEREAS Governor Ted Kulongoski
of Oregon and I signed The Klamath River Watershed Coordination Agreement along
with the responsible federal agencies in order to address the impacts to the
fisheries in the region and to develop a long-term management approach, common
vision, and integrated planning associated with the Klamath Basin; and
WHEREAS on June 6, 2006, I
proclaimed a state of emergency for the California counties of Monterey, Santa
Cruz, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte,
and Siskiyou counties due to the poor ocean conditions, drought, water
management, water quality, water flows, disease, and the elimination of access
to historical spawning habitat and resulting from the significant restrictions
that have been imposed on the State's salmon fisheries; and
WHEREAS the serious
circumstances of the Klamath River Chinook Salmon run put at risk the
livelihoods of families and businesses dependent upon them.
NOW, THEREFORE, I,
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, find that conditions of
disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist within
the additional California counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and
Trinity due to the poor ocean conditions, drought, water management, water
quality, water flows, disease, and the elimination of access to historical
spawning habitat and resulting from the significant restrictions that have been
imposed on the State's salmon fisheries.
Because the magnitude of this disaster will likely exceed the
capabilities of the services, personnel, and facilities of these counties, I
find these counties to be in a state of emergency, and under the authority of
the California Emergency Services Act, I hereby proclaim that a State of
Emergency exists in these counties.
I DIRECT the Secretary of the
Business, Housing and Transportation Agency, with the cooperation of the
Department of Finance, to activate the Small Business Disaster Assistance Loan
Guarantee Program to guarantee loans to prevent business insolvencies and loss
of employment in the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Trinity as
a result of this State of Emergency.
I FURTHER DIRECT that to ensure that
adequate assistance is available to individuals who have lost their jobs in the
13 counties where I have proclaimed a State of Emergency, the Secretary of the
Labor and Workforce Development Agency and the Director of the Employment
Development Department shall make available additional assistance grants in
those circumstances where the local Dislocated Worker formula allocation is not
adequate to cover the demand for services to individuals who have lost their
jobs as a result of this State of Emergency and my previous June 6, 2006 State
of Emergency.
I FURTHER DIRECT the Director of the
Department of Fish and Game to refund any fishing license fee issued for the
current 2006 commercial salmon season and to waive fishing license fees for the
2007 commercial salmon season.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter
possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State
and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the
State of California to be affixed this 29th Day of June 20, 2006.
ARNOLD
SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor
of California
By ERICA WERNER
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) _ The House approved $2 million Wednesday for salmon fishermen suffering from a sharply curtailed fishing season because the government is more tightly limiting their catch.
The money is a fraction of the $81 million West Coast lawmakers want. But frustrated over the Bush administration's failure to declare a disaster to help the fishermen, lawmakers hope the vote will keep the door open to add more money later.
``It's a good down payment for the money we need. This gives our senators a large opening to fill out the funding,'' said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.
The measure is necessary ``so we will be able to revisit and address the very real disaster that's happening on the coast of California and coast of Oregon _ a disaster that's unfortunately been completely ignored by this administration,'' said Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of coastal Northern California. ``Our failure to act would be nothing less than immoral.''
Thompson's measure passed on voice vote as an amendment to an annual spending bill funding the departments of Justice, Commerce and State. The underlying bill was expected to pass by Thursday.
The amendment would move $2 million from the Commerce Department's administrative funds into the general fund of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help the fishermen.
Lawmakers hope they can add more money as the bill moves through the Senate and then to House-Senate negotiations.
The vote came the day after a tense meeting between lawmakers and top NOAA officials over the disaster declaration request. Lawmakers emerged angrily declaring they had been told there would be no decision on the disaster declaration until February _ months after the fishing season ends.
In April, the Bush administration sharply restricted commercial salmon fishing to protect the dwindling population of the endangered Chinook salmon in the Klamath River.
Under the new rules, NOAA officials say they expect the fishing seasons will produce about 40 percent of the fish normally caught by salmon trollers on the West Coast. But salmon fishermen expect only 10 percent of the normal catch in the 700-mile stretch of Oregon and Northern California affected by the fishing restrictions.