Fish managers will allow Oregon's ocean salmon fishermen to take a long shot at strong populations of chinook salmon expected off the coast this year.

Sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing was largely shut down in 2008 and 2009 south of Cape Falcon, near Seaside, because of sagging populations of Sacramento River fall chinook. Ocean fishing bumped up in 2010 and 2011.

But

of fall chinook in 2012 from the Sacramento and Klamath rivers -- which drive Oregon's ocean fishing south of Cape Falcon -- are raising hopes for a banner year. That would be a great help to the coastal economy, boosting tourism and jobs.

On Wednesday, the

for the 2012 ocean salmon seasons. In general, the alternatives allow longer, less interrupted chinook seasons than last year, running from as early as March 15 to as late as Oct. 31 for much of the Oregon coast.

Fishing for coho salmon is still limited because of Endangered Species Act listings, but Oregon sport fishermen would be allowed to land coho at limited times.

The council will take public comment and recommend seasons in April, forwarding them to the National Marine Fisheries Service for final approval.

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