Captain Smitty lives in California and had a successful job but has been forced to quit because of this state law
Droughts in California have taken a toll not only on the farmers but also those who make their living out at sea fishing, especially of one prized fish.
The Southwest is under the influence of La Niña which typically means drier winters. Despite getting a deluge of rain recently, nearly 40% of California is currently experiencing drought conditions according to government data.
This is spelling trouble not just for farmers who will need water for their crops and city dwellers, but also fisherman out at sea. That’s because the lack of precipitation over several consecutive years has taken a toll on the salmon population, which spawn in the headwaters of rivers and then when ready their young swin back out to sea.
This has resulted in a ban on any catches off California for the past two years. While fishermen can still catch other fish, in order to pay the bills some have been forced to seek other options or call it quits for good. One of those is William Smith, also known as ‘Captain Smitty’, who now performs burials at sea.
As droughts continue and water temperatures climb, salmon in parts of Oregon and California are developing health issues. "Imagine the heat that we’re feeling. They’re feeling it 10 times worse in that river. They’re suffocating.” https://t.co/ECiRtm6aWP pic.twitter.com/mwtrAdmClT
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 29, 2021
“The bills keep going, whether I’ve got a fishery or not”
Captain Smitty, who runs Riptide Sportfishing in Half Moon Bay, California, has been taking anglers out to fish for salmon along the California coast for many years. While they could still catch halibut, cod and striped bass, without the prized King Salmon, that part of his business has dried up.
Smith now takes passengers out to sea who hope to catch sight of whales or those who want to scatter the ashes of their deceased loved ones in the ocean. “The bills keep going, whether I’ve got a fishery or not,” said Smith told the Associated Press. “There’s no season on when people die.”
The growing Hindu and Buddhist communities in the Bay Area are helping him pay off his $250,000 boat engine. Nowadays, he’s doing over 200 trips per year for burials at sea.
It’s unlikely that he’ll be going back to taking anglers out again this year either. The Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages West Coast fisheries, says that even if salmon fishing is allowed this year in California, it is likely to be very limited. Their final decision will be announced in April.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.