Wednesday July 1, 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom —
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the release of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future: Second Progress Report — showcasing extensive progress on the 71 actions to restore salmon populations mapped out in the 2024 Salmon Strategy set by the Governor. In the last two years, the state has fully completed 49% of the actions and partially met or advanced progress on 51% of the actions towards safeguarding salmon populations and their habitats.
“Restoring California’s salmon is not just an environmental goal — it is part of our commitment to the rivers, tribes, communities, and ecosystems that define this state. Success is rooted in persistence, collaboration, science, and respect for tribal sovereignty. Salmon recovery is a signal of what is possible when we restore nature with urgency and purpose. This is only the beginning.” — Governor Gavin Newsom
The progress led by the state, combined with recent wet winters, has created a strong foundation for improving habitat, rebuilding salmon populations, and applying new science to fisheries management. It has also enabled California’s commercial and recreational salmon fisheries to reopen for the first time in three years. State agencies are also pioneering new techniques to release fish from hatcheries and better monitor and track salmon.
“Salmon are the lifeblood of tribal cultural heritage and nutrition, the backbone of river ecosystems, and the engine of a multimillion-dollar commercial and recreational fishing sector,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “Rebuilding populations of this iconic species requires collaboration, and this report is proof that working together delivers results.”