In January, The Wild Fish Conservancy petitioned NOAA for a listing urging protection for Alaskan Chinook under the Endangered Species Act.
Last week, NOAA announced a positive 90-day finding on that petition, agreeing the information included was substantial and warrants further review. This decision triggers an in depth scientific review that will determine if a threatened or endangered listing is warranted.
- Link to Press Release: After Chronic Decline, Feds Agree Alaskan Chinook May Require Protection under the Endangered Species Act | Wild Fish Conservancy Northwest
The decision will likely come as a surprise to many, as Alaska is perceived as having widely abundant salmon runs and all Alaskan salmon fisheries were just recertified by Marine Stewardship Council (though that decision is being challenged). This week, the Copper River run has come in to Seattle markets, trading at around $100 a pound. However, the data shows Alaskan Chinook populations are facing a similar crisis as rivers coastwide, and in some cases are in even worse condition.
We’ll look forward to tracking this process as it progresses.