In 1993, the State and western Washington Treaty Tribes published the
first state-wide comprehensive inventory of salmon and steelhead stocks.
In total, SASSI identified 435 different stocks of salmon and steelhead,
and the current status of each stock was reported. For chum salmon, 72
stocks were described, only three of which were located in the Columbia
River region.
The status of the 3 Columbia system chum stocks is one in the "healthy"
category (Hardy Creek), and two rated as "depressed" (Grays River and
Hamilton Creek). In general, these stocks can be considered to be stable,
but of very low abundance. The low numbers of chum in the individual stocks
makes them extremely vulnerable to any changes in the factors that control
their success.
For additional information on Washington State chum salmon stocks and
status and on newly instituted protective measures see:
NMFS-ESA In December of 1997, the National Marine Fisheries Service published
a coast-wide chum salmon status review. This was the first step in determining
if any chum salmon population groups were candidates for listing as "threatened"
or "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act. For the Columbia River
region chum salmon populations a single Evolutionarily Significant Unit
- ESU was identified: the Columbia River ESU. NMFS concluded that this
ESU is presently at significant risk of extinction.
In March of 1999, NMFS formally listed the Columbia River ESU as a "threatened"
chum salmon population.
For additional information on the NMFS chum salmon species review, or
on salmon and the Endangered Species Act chum salmon stocks and status
see:
