MARE ISLAND, Calif. (KCBS)  -- Hundreds of thousands of young salmon were trucked to salt water pens off Mare Island Monday, the first of some 18 to 20 million smolts wildlife officials plan to release with hopes of their eventually return to spawn.

All commercial and sport fishing for Chinook salmon has been banned in California and most of Oregon this year because of the dwindling population. Marine biologists said allowing the fish to acclimate to the cold water increases the likelihood they will survive to maturity in two to three years.

Less than 70,000 salmon returned to spawn last year.

KCBS's Dave Padilla reports

(jro)