Situtation with Pacific Herring Fishery

As an employee of DFG, I am able to hear conversations and discussions in the Marine Region.
The latest topic highly discussed in the office at the moment is the development of El Niño for the summer of 2009. This is an important event that affects fisheries worldwide. In addition, it is even more important to the Herring Fishery given its current state.

A little history on Herring will tell us that, although considered a very well managed fishery, stocks are greatly diminished during an El Niño (i.e. 1982-1983, 1997-1998). Moreover, the conditions of Herring Fishery stock at present will not be able to withstand such an event.
Due to this and other difficulties facing the Herring Fishery, DFG will now recommend the Commissioner that a "No Fishery Option" is followed for the 2009-2010 season.

So, what does this mean? Since the fishery has never been closed since its inception in 1972, it's difficult to predict what will happen. However, having an inside view of the situation I will hope that this recommendation is followed. Let's just hope that the Herring Fishery Industry and the Commissioner can work to reach an agreement on "No Fishery" for 09-10 season.

For more information on developing El Niño : http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/ , http://www.hurricanecity.com/elnino.htm , http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/enso/ensofaq.html

About this blog...

This blog is being started with the goal of providing an inside scoop of DFG Marine Region from another point of view, that of a scientific aid to be more precise.
Anything posted will be solely my own opinions and/or my point of view. Anything belonging to DFG shall be credited and a hot link will be provided.