Who makes the regulations that govern salmon fishing?
A5. The state of Oregon regulates salmon fishing in freshwater, and in oceans waters within three miles of the coast. Salmon fishing in ocean waters beyond the three mile limit, out to 200 miles, is regulated by the federal Commerce Department based on recommendations made by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and forwarded by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. The federal process begins with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, which is comprised of 14 voting members from Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho. The members include representatives from the states, tribes and wildlife agencies, as well as private citizens with an interest in commercial or sport fishing and marine conservation.
