Thursday December 7, 2023
Center for Biological Diversity —
In response to a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity and Pacific Rivers, the National Marine Fisheries Service today made an initial finding that Endangered Species Act protections may be warranted for Washington coast Chinook salmon. The agency will initiate a status review for Washington coast spring-run and fall-run salmon populations.
“This is a welcome step toward ensuring that we can keep viable salmon runs for future generations,” said Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Early returning spring-run salmon are in trouble all along the West Coast, and Endangered Species Act protection could help stop their slide toward extinction.”
The agency will evaluate the status and threats for salmon spawning north of the Columbia River and west of the Elwha River, including in the Chehalis, Quinault, Queets, Hoh and Quillayute river basins on the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula.