[7] Puget Sound Steelhead Proposed For 'Threatened' ESA Status
NOAA Fisheries announced today that it will propose the Puget Sound steelhead run as threatened, after a scientific review of its status was triggered by a 2004 petition filed by retired WDFW fisheries biologist Sam Wright.
The feds are calling for public comment through June 27, as part of the year-long process for a final determination of the status of the steelhead stock. A 1996 review of West Coast steelhead determined that it did not warrant listing, but did express concern about summer-run populations.
The agency said strong declines in some populations have occurred over the past nine years, despite large cuts in harvest. The stocks are also likely suffering adverse effects from widespread steelhead hatchery practices in the Sound.
"Even if a listing is ultimately required a year from now, the work already accomplished by Shared Strategy, the Sound's grassroots salmon-recovery coalition, will provide a solid foundation for the recovery of steelhead," said regional NOAA Fisheries administrator Bob Lohn. "We'll continue to work with Shared Strategy to assure that any additional effort needed to specifically benefit steelhead is included as part of our formal recovery plan for salmon."
In its new analyses, NOAA Fisheries said it will review the steelhead populations based on its "distinct population segment" policy, rather than the ESU policy it had used in the earlier review. This listing action will only look at the anadromous form of the Puget Sound populations. The resident form of the steelhead, rainbow trout, is under the jurisdiction of the US fish and Wildlife Service. -B. R.
The following links were mentioned in this story:
Petition to List Puget Sound Steelhead
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