"U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke declared a commercial fishing disaster for Yukon River king salmon Friday following two years of poor runs, fishing restrictions and bans.

 'Communities in Alaska along the Yukon River depend heavily on chinook salmon for commercial fishing, jobs and food,' Locke said in a statement from the Commerce Department. 'Alaska fishermen and their families are struggling with a substantial loss in income and revenues.'

The declaration -- requested by Gov. Sean Parnell and others -- does not automatically send money to communities hammered by the loss of chinook salmon to eat and sell."

Kyle Hopkins reports for the Anchorage Daily News January 16, 2010.
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