Northwestern Salmon
Northwest salmon in decline Salmon are the quintessential symbol of Northwest geography and lifestyle. ... Most importantly, salmon are an indicator of the overall health of our community, economy and environment. However, salmon runs have declined nearly to the point of extinction. We need to take steps to protect salmon, water quality, and our quality of life. Recovering salmon will not only benefit our environment, but in the long run will benefit us and our economy. Adding up the numbers Historically, our streams and rivers seemed to have an infinite supply of salmon. Today, Northwest salmon have disappeared from over 40% of their historical breeding grounds. ... Salmon populations are hovering just above the point of extinction; we are at a critical point. Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection The federal government (National Marine Fisheries Service) listed the wild, native Puget Sound Chinook salmon as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on March 24, 1999.