Gulf of Alaska salmon fishery declared federal disaster

The Gulf of Alaska pink salmon fishery was one of nine fisheries to be

The disaster declarations included eight other salmon and crab fisheries in California and Washington.

According to a statement by US Commerce Secretary Penny Prtizker, the disaster declarations are “due to large decreases in fish stock biomass due to unusual ocean and climate conditions” in recent years.

The disaster declaration allows the affected fishing communities to apply for relief funding and economic assistance from Congress. However, Congress must first approve the appropriation of that funding.