The April 13, 2025, meeting of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) focused on critical discussions surrounding the salmon season setting process and the challenges faced in the Klamath and Sacramento rivers. The meeting began with a disclosure from a council member, emphasizing that their opinions were personal and not tied to any business relationships with the salmon industry.

The council reviewed disappointing salmon returns for the season, particularly noting that the Sacramento River's returns were significantly lower than expected. This decline was compounded by the recent removal of four dams on the Klamath River, which has introduced uncertainty regarding the ecological impacts of this change. The Fall Creek Hatchery, which was expected to support salmon recolonization, reported that only about 10% of its egg-taking goal was met, further complicating efforts to restore salmon populations in the area.

The council also discussed guidance from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which indicated a reduction in the target escapement from 180,000 to 122,000 salmon. This shift raised concerns about the viability of the upcoming fishing season. Director Bonham encouraged the council to explore various options throughout the week, despite previous state guidance suggesting a season closure.

Safety and monitoring concerns were highlighted as significant issues, particularly regarding the potential for a limited fishing season with only two-day openings. The council acknowledged the efforts of the Salmon Advisory Subpanel (SAS) and California sport representatives to address these concerns, but there was a prevailing sentiment that the risks associated with proceeding with a short season outweighed the potential benefits.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities and uncertainties facing salmon management in the region, with a strong emphasis on safety and ecological considerations as the council navigates the upcoming fishing season. Further discussions and decisions are expected as the council continues to evaluate the situation in the coming days.