Chinook Salmon Implementation Strategy
This article provides an overview and a link to further information about the Chinook Salmon Implementation Strategy. Implementation Strategies (Strategies) are plans for accelerating progress toward the 2020 ecosystem recovery targets for the Puget Sound Vital Signs. The Strategies are developed collaboratively with technical, professional, and policy experts and with local and regional input. They are funded by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Executive Summary (excerpt)
Puget Sound salmon recovery work is the cornerstone of broader Puget Sound recovery efforts, and abundant wild Chinook salmon populations are vital to this effort. The largest of the salmon species, Chinook salmon are a favorite food of orcas, depend on the most at-risk salmon habitats, are highly prized by anglers and commercial fishermen, and are an important cultural and economic resource for tribes. A variety of pressures – including urbanization, agriculture, dams, stormwater pollution, harvest and hatcheries – have reduced Puget Sound Chinook salmon populations to one-third of their early-1900s numbers. Without a significant reversal in this trend, Puget Sound Chinook salmon are unlikely to recover. Despite more than a decade of formal, coordinated investment and efforts to recover Chinook salmon, the region is not seeing significant progress in increasing abundance. Many of the same challenges persist that were noted when the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan was developed in 2005. In addition, increased awareness of emerging challenges –including climate change, balancing the needs of a growing human population, and early marine survival – also require consideration and integration into recovery efforts. For this document, “recovery” is defined as progress towards the 2020 Vital Sign target.
This Implementation Strategy is intended to: Identify the priority regional approaches to accelerate progress towards the Chinook Salmon 2020 Vital Sign target. Create a stronger foundation for more sophisticated and effective Chinook salmon and Puget Sound recovery planning. Create a foundation for the regional recovery plan’s regional chapter update. Through an 18 month-long process to develop this Implementation Strategy with local and regional recovery partners, several needs (and considerations for the 2018 Action Agenda) emerged.
