Port demands fair fishing regulations | News

“Despite our proximity, Crescent City fishermen face significantly restrictive fishing regulations that stand in stark contrast to those allowed in Brookings. It is worth noting that Oregon permit holders have a monthly open access limit of 5,500 pounds of Ling cod, while California has set the limit at zero for our waters. For this species alone, the lost earnings opportunity for each boat amounts to $200,000 per year,” the letter reads.

Other disparities include:

• The Pacific Marine Stewardship Council has sanctioned a nearly unlimited salmon season in Brookings. Crescent City has been completely banned from salmon fishing.

• Oregon fishermen can purchase a California fishing license every day and then land their catch in Brookings. Boats leaving from Brookings can enter California waters, catch the Oregon rockfish limit and the Oregon salmon limit (except three miles from the coast) and return to Brookings. On the other hand, fishermen operating in Crescent City are prohibited from conducting similar activities.

The letter said Oregon fishermen were caught by law enforcement ignoring the California license requirement.

As a secondary issue, commissioners shared concerns about the inadequacy of the current data system. CCHD has lobbied and continues to lobby for a hook and line approach rather than a computer model in obtaining accurate data.

The PFMC meets June 6-13 in San Diego.

In other port news, CCHD Harbor Master Tim Petrick announced that Controller Thomas Zickergraf is no longer employed by the port. No ending details were given.

The port meets again on Tuesday, June 4 at the port office, 101 Citizens Dock Rd. The meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m