"In April, California Governor Wilson issued a fishery disaster declaration for selected fishermen due to the 97-98 El Nino. This will enable them to be eligible for small business association low-interest loans and federal disaster unemployment assistance (which is administered by the states). Squid landings began falling in July 1997 as waters warmed, and recorded landings so far in 1998 have been far below last years' harvest levels during the first two months of the year. Virtually no squid had been caught as of March 30, 1998 whereas more than 100 million pounds were landed last year during the period. Herring fishermen have also harvested less than one percent of their authorized quota, and fish that were landed showed signs of low body fat and some of the females showed signs of egg resorption. Sea urchin divers have taken less than ten percent of the catch usually achieved by this time of year. Estimated losses to the commercial fishing industry in California from this El Nino are estimated to be tens of millions of dollars. susan.smith@noaa.gov.