CDFW Announces Virtual Salmon Information Meeting for 2024 Season Planning

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is gearing up to host its annual Salmon Information Meeting, a pivotal event for anglers, conservationists, and industry stakeholders interested in the future of California’s salmon populations. Scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10 a.m., this year’s meeting will take place via webinar, allowing participants from across the state to join in and gain insights into the health and management of salmon stocks.

Attendees can look forward to detailed presentations covering a range of critical topics, including the results of last year’s salmon spawning escapement, projections for ocean salmon abundance, and the management objectives set for the 2024 fishing seasons. To ensure accessibility and preparedness, the CDFW will release meeting details, informational materials, and instructions on how to attend on their Ocean Salmon Calendar of Events page well in advance.

This meeting signals the start of a comprehensive two-month public consultation process aimed at shaping the annual regulations for both sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing. The discussions will also influence the development of inland salmon fishing regulations scheduled for later in the spring. The collaborative effort brings together representatives from West Coast states, federal agencies, tribal co-managers, and other stakeholders committed to the sustainable management and conservation of salmon fisheries.

Following the initial meeting, California’s representatives will convene at the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting in Fresno, California, from March 6-11, to deliberate on a set of proposed ocean fishing season alternatives. The final recommendations for the 2024 salmon seasons will then be determined at the PFMC’s subsequent meeting in Seattle, Washington, from April 6-11.

For those interested in participating in the salmon preseason process or seeking further information, including how to get involved and stay updated, the CDFW encourages visiting their Ocean Salmon Calendar of Events page. This event offers a unique opportunity for the public to contribute to the stewardship of California’s cherished salmon resources.