Since that peak, the salmon fishing industry took a turn for the worse. The two years of record catches ended in 1989, and disastrous years for the salmon fishery followed as California plunged into a prolonged drought.

This, together with human alteration and damage to the streams and rivers where Salmon spawn took its toll on the fish population. This turn of events sent many a fisherman looking for other employment while those that remained looked for short term relief and long term solutions.

Finally, in the spring of 1995 the prospects began to look good again. Near record rainfalls the previous winter and near perfect ocean climactic conditions brought the salmon back to the northern California waters in great numbers. Despite the good news, the experience of the last few years has tempered the optimism with caution. The health of the fishing industry is too fragile to take for granted.

Salmon fishing has decreased drastically in the last few years. The Department of Fish and Game put restrictions and limits on the Salmon season and the amount (pounds) that can be caught in a day for both commercial and sport fishermen. These new restrictions are in place to help prevent the extinction of Wild King Salmon and have forced fishermen to seek out other species of fish and sea life (such as crabs and sea urchins) to make their living.

Salmon fishing aside, the fishing industry is an important part of Bodega Bay economy, with crab, rockfish and sole fisheries of major importance. More recently a sea urchin industry has developed to serve the Japanese market where the spiny creature's roe is considered a delicacy.

Tourism

The 16 miles of coastline North of Bodega Bay that comprise the Sonoma Coast State Beach is one of the most popular coast drives in the state park system.

Although 9-11 has affected tourism, the hotels and vacation rentals have rebounded nicely. High gas prices in 2007 have taken their toll, but not in drastic numbers. Only a small decline in rentals is evident as compared to 2006.

Bodega Bay's popularity as a vacation destination has increased dramatically over the past decade. In the 1980s a building boom increased the number of motel rooms by 150%. Today, Bodega Bay has approximately 280 motel and lodge units, 230 vacation home rentals and 340 campground spaces.

Employment in Tourism