A recent article in the Seattle Times put a spotlight on the decline of Washington’s state fish and the issues contributing to this. We dig in and offer up our vision for the restoration and fishery management actions required to change directions for these incredible fish.
Steelhead and Salmon Recovery Must be Built on Ambitious, Achievable Goals Instead of Bare Minimums
The communities and ecosystem of the Columbia River Basin need healthy and harvestable salmon and steelhead populations.
Washington Governor signs critical funding for Snake and Columbia Basins
Today, Governor Jay Inslee signed two bills that will fund studies required in the process to remove the four Lower Snake River dams.
Science Friday (PART TWO): Disappearing Steelhead – The Fate of Summer Steelhead Seeking Coldwater in the Columbia and Snake Rivers
fish traveling downstream through the hydro system, and discussion of possible management changes to help improve steelhead survival.
Science Friday (PART ONE): Disappearing Steelhead – The Fate of Summer Steelhead Seeking Coldwater in the Columbia and Snake Rivers
In the Columbia and Snake rivers hydropower systems, many migrating summer steelhead overshoot their spawning streams, passing dams multiple times and increasing mortality rates, trying to find cold water refuge. We look at the ramifications on steelhead management for not properly accounting for these overshoot steelhead.
Take Action to Reduce Harvest Impacts on Columbia River Steelhead
On Thursday, February 2, the Washington State Legislature will have its first hearing on SB 5297, the bill to limit non-tribal commercial gillnetting in the Columbia River mainstem.
Legislation Introduced to Remove Non-Tribal Gillnets from the Lower Columbia Mainstem
Kicking off the start of the 2023 Washington Legislative session, Senator Van De Wege (D-24) has introduced a new piece of legislation at the request of Governor Inslee that would permanently remove non-tribal commercial gillnet fisheries from the Washington side of the Lower Columbia River.
Steelhead Find an Unlikely Friend in Beavers
Beavers deliver conditions steelhead require in their spawning grounds — cold water, longer duration of wetted streambeds, and food-rich rearing habitat. Here’s why beavers are now part of the recovery toolbox for upper Columbia River steelhead.
Washington Gov. Inslee Steps Up for Steelhead
Last week, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the state’s 2022 supplementary budget into law, which included almost $15 million for a voluntary buyback program in the Columbia River for non-tribal commercial gillnet licenses.
It’s Time for Bold Action
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) has stepped up to lead toward a more optimistic future for the entire Snake River basin. Rep. Simpson laid out a proposal that would create new clean energy sources, build new infrastructure, and ensure the needs of local communities, irrigators and shippers are met. The proposal would also restore runs of healthy, harvestable Snake River salmon and steelhead by removing the lower four Snake River dams.