Five West Coast Salmon, Steelhead Species Remain Endangered

NOAA Fisheries biologists have determined after a five-year review of recovery processes that four salmon and steelhead species in Northern California and Southern Oregon remain threatened.

The report, released Dec. 1, identifies the four species recently reviewed as Southern Oregon/Northern California coast coho salmon, California coastal Chinook salmon, Central California coast steelhead and California Central Valley steelhead.

NOAA Fisheries Portland Office Branch Supervisor for Protected Resources Robert Markle said that while there’s a lot more work to do to recover these species, that this close look helps identify actions that can make the biggest difference for the fish.

There are currently 28 species of Pacific salmon and steelhead trout listed under the Endangered Species Act.

According to NOAA Fisheries, habitat restoration carried out by numerous partners has addressed major factors limiting all four species and helped prevent local extinction, but many challenges still stand in the path of species recovery.

All four species suffer from historical habitat loss and degradation and the effects of climate change – drought, warming water temperatures and increasing frequency and intensity of wildfire.

In its reviews, the agency highlighted the importance of removing four dams along the Klamath River as an important step for helping Southern Oregon/Northern California coast coho salmon. NOAA Fisheries noted that the planned removal of two dams along the Eel River would also help that species along with California coastal chinook salmon.

NOAA Fisheries North Coast Branch Supervisor Joshua Fuller said that the agency is confident that removing the dams is a crucial step toward salmonid recovery by expanding access to resilient and diverse habitats, especially as they continue to confront the challenges resulting from climate change.

The reviews highlight several other fish passage improvement projects that have opened up or improved habitat for salmon and steelhead, which is expected to help these species recover.

Source: https://fishermensnews.com/five-west-coast-salmon-steelhead-species-remain-endangered/