The Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon is a threatened species. NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Region, along with the West Coast Science Centers, and the Restoration Center, work to conserve this species under the Endangered Species Act.
ESA Listing Status: Threatened on September 16, 1999 (64 FR 50394). The ESA listing status of this ESU has not been revised since its original listing. On June 28, 2005, NOAA Fisheries published the final hatchery listing policy (70 FR 37204) and reaffirmed the threatened status of the ESU (70 FR 37159).
ESU Description: This evolutionarily significant unit, or ESU, includes naturally spawned spring-run Chinook salmon originating from the Sacramento River and its tributaries, and also spring-run Chinook salmon from the Feather River Hatchery Spring-run Chinook Program. This ESU does not include Chinook salmon that are designated as part of an experimental population.
Current Population Trends:
Critical Habitat: Designated September 2, 2005
Protective Regulations: Issued January 9, 2002 (67 FR 1116)
Recovery Plan: Recovery Plan for Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley Spring-run Chinook salmon, and Central Valley Steelhead (2014)
San Joaquin River Reintroduction Effort: Experimental Population Designation
NOAA Fisheries delineated eight recovery domains, or geographic recovery planning areas, for the ESA-listed salmon and steelhead populations on the West Coast. The California Central Valley Recovery Domain extends from the upper Sacramento River Valley to the northern portion of the San Joaquin River Valley (see map of recovery domains). There are three ESA-listed salmon and steelhead species in this domain:
NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region manages recovery planning and implementation for this domain through its California Central Valley Area Office.
In July 2014, NOAA Fisheries released a Recovery Plan for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, and Central Valley steelhead. The recovery plan draws on the expertise of the Central Valley Technical Recovery Team, agency co-managers, and many public entities and individuals dedicated to recovering these fish. It is based on a sound scientific foundation and is a key decision-making resource for improving and sustaining the health of California's natural environment.
Salmon recovery requires action at all levels of government and by all stakeholders to be effective. Partnerships among federal, state, local, and tribal entities, together with non-governmental and private organizations, are key to restoring healthy salmon runs and ensuring the cultural, economic, and environmental benefits they provide. Implementing recovery actions is especially critical at the local level. NOAA Fisheries supports this by providing scientific and policy support, providing funding as available, and working with our partners to improve regulatory mechanisms for salmon recovery.
Key partners working with us to restore Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, California Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, and California Central Valley steelhead are identified below.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about recovery efforts in your watershed or would like to get involved directly, please contact:
West Coast Region - California Central Valley Office
Brian Ellrott
Email: Brian.Ellrott@noaa.gov
Phone: 916.930.3600
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
