Feds pony up $21.3 million to help California's salmon industry rebound from 3-year closure

The U.S. federal government has allocated $21.3 million in disaster aid to help California’s commercial salmon fleet recover after a three-year closure. Fishing resumed this year—the first time since 2022—following a 2023–2025 ban tied to low forecasts of returning fish. The announcement came June 17 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), after years of requests from the West Coast industry and California lawmakers. California had previously secured $20.6 million in February 2024 under a broader effort after earlier requests in April 2023, though state officials said more was needed. NOAA also reported a total of $123.6 million in disaster aid for West Coast salmon fisheries. California now has 120 days to submit a “spend plan,” with grants distributed within 90 days of that submission. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for distributing funds.