The Snake River sockeye salmon is an endangered species. NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Region, along with the Science Centers, work to protect and conserve this species under the Endangered Species Act.
ESA Listing Status: Endangered on November 20, 1991 (56 FR 58619) and June 28, 2005 (70 FR 37159); updated April 14, 2014 (79 FR 20802)
ESU Description: This evolutionarily significant unit, or ESU, includes all naturally spawned anadromous and residual sockeye salmon originating from the Snake River basin, and also sockeye salmon from the Redfish Lake Captive Broodstock Program and the Snake River Sockeye Salmon Hatchery Program.
Current Population Trends: Snake River Sockeye Salmon Status Reviews and Five-Year Updates
Critical Habitat: Designated December 28, 1993 (58 FR 68543)
Protective Regulations: Issued under ESA Section 9
Recovery Plan: Recovery Plan for Snake River Sockeye Salmon (2015)
NOAA Fisheries delineated eight recovery domains, or geographic recovery planning areas, for the ESA-listed salmon and steelhead populations on the West Coast. The Snake River Recovery Sub-domain is one of three sub-domains comprising the Interior Columbia River Recovery Domain (see map of recovery domains). This sub-domain is home to four ESA-listed salmon and steelhead species:
NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region manages recovery planning and implementation for this sub-domain through its Interior Columbia Basin Area Office.
The Recovery Plan for Snake River Sockeye Salmon was adopted in June 2015. Because of the complexity of the salmonid life cycle, some regional issues that affect ESA-listed Columbia River Basin salmon and steelhead are beyond the scope of any one management plan. NOAA Fisheries developed several modules to address these regional issues and assist in recovery planning. The following modules are incorporated into the Recovery Plan for Snake River Sockeye Salmon as appendices:
If you have questions, would like to learn more about recovery efforts in your watershed, or would like to get involved directly, please contact:
West Coast Region - Interior Columbia Basin Area Office
Chad Fealko
Email: Chad.Fealko@noaa.gov
Phone: 208.756.5105
Central Valley salmon fisherman and Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association Vice President, Scott Hambelton, casts from his boat on the American River. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
North Pacific right whale. Credit: Brenda K. Rone
