Who sets ocean salmon seasons off the California coast?
The California Fish and Game Commission sets the salmon seasons in all California waters, including all coastal waters extending three miles offshore. The National Marine Fisheries Service sets all seasons beyond the three-mile limit out to 200 miles. California is a member of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and presents data and information for review during its season-setting process. The PFMC makes recommendations to the National Marine Fishery Service for ocean salmon seasons. Once the federal season setting process is completed, the California Fish and Game Commission normally adopts a similar set of regulations for state waters.
