Federal officials are expected to prohibit Chinook salmon fishing this season along a swath of the West Coast.

Many predict the ban could stretch into 2024 season, as drought and other factors take their toll on Chinook salmon.

In early April, the Pacific Fishery Management Council will consider three proposals that all call for the closure of the 2023 season for commercial and recreational salmon fishing in California and most of Oregon.

Biologists say the Chinook salmon population has declined dramatically after years of drought.

Many in the fishing industry say Trump-era rules that allowed more water to be diverted from the Sacramento River Basin to agriculture caused even more harm.

Meanwhile, salmon season is expected to open as usual in the Columbia River and off Washington’s coast.