The fall run of chinook salmon returning to the Sacramento River to spawn was at an all-time low in 2007, according to an official study released Thursday that confirms findings reported last month.

Spawning fish dropped to 88,000 adult fish in the fall, down from peaks of 800,000. The spawning goal is 122,000 to 180,000.

Low numbers are expected to raise prices, hurt the livelihood of fishermen and damage the future health of the state's favorite fish.

"The word 'disaster' comes immediately to mind," said Don Hansen, chairman of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, a governmental body that places restrictions on commercial and sport fishing.

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