New Unlimited Salmon Steelhead news

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Subtropical salmon: How an enormous fish farm in Homestead hopes to change the seafood industry


Salmon farms normally occur in the fjords of Norway or Chile, not on the hot, humid flats next to the Everglades. But Atlantic Sapphire, a new type of on-land salmon farm, is betting on South Florida as the perfect spot for a cold-water fish farm.

https://stocks.apple.com/ADbZTT0KxT--0WQOZei0lXg

That is amazing.  And no escapees to impact wild salmon populations.

[Woolly Bugger]

Chinook Salmon Are Swimming in This California River for the First Time in More Than 80 Years

Chinook salmon were once abundant in the North Yuba River in California's Sierra Nevada. But since 1941, they've been kept out of the chilly, clear waters by the Englebright Dam.

Now, for the first time in more than eight decades, the iridescent, blue-green fish are once again swimming in the northern waterway, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced in a statement this month.

The young spring-run Chinook salmon are part of a pilot project that may one day become a full reintroduction program, with the eventual goal of returning the fish to their historic spawning grounds in California's mountains. The project is a collaboration between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Yuba Water Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and the U.S. Forest Service.

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The juveniles gliding through the North Yuba today recently hatched from eggs that were deposited by scientists last fall.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/chinook-salmon-are-swimming-in-this-california-river-for-the-first-time-in-more-than-80-years/ar-AA1A0McT

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Flawed EIS for Kennebec Dams Ignores Calls for a Collaborative Recovery Solution

Posted on March 5, 2025 by NRCM

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March 5, 2025 (Augusta, ME) — A final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued for four dams on Maine's lower Kennebec River ignores the best available science and could doom endangered Atlantic salmon to extinction while harming recovery of other sea-run fish, according to a coalition of local residents, conservation organizations, and fishing groups, together with the Penobscot Nation and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF). 

The Kennebec Coalition, along with the Wabanaki Nations and CLF, have long called for removal of the four dams between Waterville and Skowhegan because they block access to some of the best Atlantic salmon spawning habitat in the Northeast on the Sandy River. 

Previous dam removal projects in Maine and across the nation successfully brought back multiple species of sea-run fish and supported economic development in local riverfront communities while protecting infrastructure for industry along the river. 

The EIS published by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on February 28 ignores comments from more than 2,000 anglers, local businesses, scientists, and others who spoke at public hearings in Waterville and Augusta, submitted comments online, or signed a petition, all calling for a solution on the Kennebec that results in recovery of millions of sea-run fish, including alewives, blueback herring, American shad, eel, and critically endangered Atlantic salmon. 

FERC's flawed EIS relies on engineered fish passage that has not worked anywhere else in the world where fish have had to pass by four dams in a row. Similar fish passage proposals have led to failures elsewhere in the U.S. resulting in dramatic loss of sea-run fish, including on the Connecticut, Merrimack, and Androscoggin Rivers.  


Without effective fish passage on the Kennebec, recovery of endangered Atlantic salmon will not be possible, and restoration of commercially important species like alewives and eels and a recreational fishery for American shad will be stalled. 

Here's What People are Saying: 
"Failure to remove mainstem dams on the lower Kennebec River will undermine salmon recovery efforts of Wabanaki in the Penobscot and Wolastoq-St. John Rivers and jeopardize the future of our sustenance fishing heritage. Demonstrating and providing leadership in the dam relicensing process to restore sea-run fish species to the Kennebec is a critical part of the federal government's trust responsibilities to our tribes," said Chief Kirk Francis, Penobscot Nation and Chief Clarissa Sabattis, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.   

"FERC's EIS ignores the reality on the ground here in Maine, where the people who love this great river are observing fish species struggling to survive. Dooming the Kennebec to the same fate as other rivers where sea-run fish have disappeared would have catastrophic consequences for our outdoor recreation and commercial fishing industries. We will continue doing everything we can to bring Mainers together to craft a collaborative solution that protects endangered Atlantic salmon, restores millions of sea-run fish, promotes economic development, and protects industry located along the river," said the Kennebec Coalition, comprised of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Rivers, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Trout Unlimited, and Trout Unlimited's Kennebec Valley Chapter.  

"The federal government's failure to take the required hard look at the severe impacts these dams have on the Kennebec River's water quality—especially the ongoing destruction of Atlantic salmon and the continued prevention of their recovery in their native waters—is inexcusable and unlawful," said Sean Mahoney, Conservation Law Foundation Vice President for Maine and Senior Counsel.  

Learn more:  https://www.nrcm.org/news/flawed-kennebec-eis-ignores-recovery-solution/

[Woolly Bugger]

River Tweed salmon catch highest in over a decade

The salmon catch on one of Scotland's most popular fishing rivers has hit the highest level in over a decade.

Last year a total of 9,947 salmon were landed by rod on the River Tweed with an additional 483 caught by nets.

It represents an increase of more than 3,000 on the five-year average and the highest rod catch since 2013.

The River Tweed Commission (RTC) said favourable fishing conditions and a greater number of returning salmon had contributed to the rise.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vwzky1q1qo

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Fired federal workers in Alaska speak out about chaos of losing jobs, housing, research and more
Three former employees with the National Weather Service, Forest Service and NOAA Fisheries share their stories



Federal workers across Alaska regions, agencies, and areas of expertise have been fired as part of the Trump administration's "Department of Government Efficiency" cost-cutting efforts, leaving many in a state of uncertainty, frustration and limbo.

Three of those former employees spoke with the Alaska Beacon about the work they did, the experience of losing their positions and their insights into how the job losses will impact Alaska.

Kitty Sopow is one, fired from her job with the National Weather Service based in Nome.

She was given warning of her impending termination — a complete surprise after more than four years with the agency. The next day, a Bering Air plane carrying 10 people went missing.

"So they needed me," she said. "They didn't fire me."

"Everybody was able to be in the incident command center and ask questions to the meteorologist," she said, recalling that day. "Because there was a storm coming, and there was literally only a handful of hours in which the helicopters could be utilized safely before there was like a four-day weather storm. So, I'm not going to not do that work. That's what I'm here for."

There were no survivors. The plane, Bering Air Flight 445, was found southeast of Nome in the Norton Sound. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

https://alaskabeacon.com/2025/03/07/fired-federal-workers-in-alaska-speak-out-about-chaos-of-losing-jobs-housing-research-and-more/

[Woolly Bugger]

Pressure builds on Army Corps to produce years-late reports on Willamette River Basin dams
New federal study shows dams harming endangered salmon as Congress pushed for action

Last June, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates a series of dams in Oregon's Willamette River Basin, missed a deadline set by Congress to produce a report on how the dams are affecting endangered fish.

Eight months later, the report is nowhere in sight, with the Army Corps stating it remains under "administrative review."

For tribal nations and others who want to save dwindling salmon and steelhead runs on the Willamette, the missed deadline came as no surprise. It's the latest example of what they call a "shocking" and "egregious" pattern of delays by the Corps to address the fishes' condition, and it comes even as a new federal study blames the Corps for jeopardizing the existence of the fish populations.

"It's do or die for the salmon," said Grace Brahler, wildlands director at Eugene-based conservation group Cascadia Wildlands.

Conservationists and tribal officials say the Army Corps is dragging its feet on producing realistic, cost-effective solutions for endangered Willamette River salmon and steelhead as their populations move toward extinction. Some endangered runs are predicted to be extinct by 2040.

https://ictnews.org/news/pressure-builds-on-army-corps-to-produce-years-late-reports-on-willamette-river-basin-dams-

[Woolly Bugger]

New program aims to boost salmon in Northern California river

For the first time in more 80 years, Chinook salmon are swimming in the North Yuba River in Northern California thanks to an innovative wildlife program.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with federal and local agencies, launched a pilot program to reintroduce Chinook salmon into their historic spawning grounds in the North Yuba River in Plumas County. This stretch of cool water, according to the state, is considered some of the highest quality and most climate-resilient in California.

But Chinook salmon disappeared from the waterway after the construction of the Englebright Dam prevented fish from swimming upstream.

In October, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife constructed a series of nests along the 12-mile stretch of gravel riverbed and then filled them with fertilized Chinook salmon eggs from a nearby hatchery. Four months later, these salmon eggs have begun to hatch and the first young salmon were observed Feb. 11, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"The North Yuba represents a really unique location for us. Between the main stem and its tributaries there is somewhere around 40 to 50 miles of habitat that is ideal for spring-run Chinook salmon for holding, spawning and rearing," said Colin Purdy, a fisheries environmental program manager for the state. "If we can develop this pilot effort into a full reintroduction program, we would be able to more than double the amount of available salmon habitat in the Yuba River watershed. And that's a huge win for spring-run Chinook salmon."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/pets-and-animals/wildlife/new-program-aims-to-boost-salmon-in-northern-california-river/ar-AA1zCzhq

[Woolly Bugger]

California salmon season faces potential third-year closure

California's Chinook salmon population continues to decline, prompting concerns over a possible third consecutive closure of the state's commercial and recreational salmon fishing season.

In April, the Pacific Fishery Management Council will decide whether to impose a limited fishing season or enforce a complete shutdown to facilitate stock recovery.

Recent estimates from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicate approximately 166,000 Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon currently in the ocean, a decrease from the preseason estimate of 214,000 last year and comparable to the 2023 estimate of 169,000. These numbers reflect a significant drop from the robust salmon population observed in California's river over a decade ago.


The fishing industry has been severely affected by these declines. The typical fishing season, spanning from May to October, traditionally supports around 460 commercial vessels. However, due to the downturn, many fishermen have sought alternative employment or listed their boats for sale. George Jue, a commercial fisherman based at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, told the Los Angeles Times that numerous colleagues have resorted to land-based jobs as the fishery has deteriorated.

Several factors have contributed to dwindling salmon numbers, including severe droughts from 2020 to 2022, which reduced river flows and elevated water temperatures detrimental to salmon eggs. Water management practices during these periods have been criticized for prioritizing agricultural needs over ecological requirements, further exacerbating the decline. Environmental advocates argue that excessive water allocations to farms and urban areas have deprived rivers of the cold flows essential for salmon survival.

The potential for a third consecutive fishing season closure looms, making an unprecedented event in the state's history. State biologists attribute the decline to a combination of factors, including dam constructions that have obstructed spawning areas and the impacts of climate change, which has intensified droughts and increased river temperatures.

The Newsom administration has initiated efforts to aid salmon population recovery in response to these challenges. The measures encompass restoring tidal habitats, modernizing infrastructure, removing migration barriers, and reintroducing salmon to traditional spawning areas upstream of dams. According to the Associated Press, following the removal of dams on the Klamath River near the California-Oregon border last year, biologists have observed salmon spawning in upstream waters that have been inaccessible for over a century.

The uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season has left many in the industry anxious about their livelihoods and the future of California's salmon fisheries. As the Pacific Fishery Management Council deliberates on the 2025 season, stakeholders are bracing for decisions that will significantly impact the state's fishing communities and the preservation of its salmon populations.

https://www.nationalfisherman.com/california-salmon-season-faces-potential-third-year-closure

[Woolly Bugger]

Susitna River




Alaska's mighty Susitna River is one of the longest, most pristine rivers in the nation. From its glacial headwaters in the Alaska Range, the Susitna flows more than 300 miles south, touching portions of Denali National Park before reaching Cook Inlet. 

The surrounding watershed spans more than 20,000 square miles—nearly the size of West Virginia. This massive area supports five species of Pacific Salmon and populations of other essential wildlife, including moose, black bear, and grizzlies.

The Susitna River flows through tribal lands, playing a critical role for Alaska Native community members who depend on salmon harvesting for their culture and diet. The river contributes to millions of dollars in annual revenue generated by fishing, hunting, tourism, recreation, and other activities.


https://www.americanrivers.org/river/susitna-river/

[Woolly Bugger]

Atlantic salmon return to river after major restoration work
The River Goil has suffered from excessive erosion - accelerated by floods, grazing of the banks and increased drainage from the forestry.

Atlantic salmon have returned to a river in Argyll in the highest numbers in a decade after major works restored spawning sites.

The River Goil in Argyll and Bute has suffered from excessive erosion – accelerated by floods, grazing of the banks and increased drainage from the forestry.

Local campaigners say the river had suffered from very fine silt being washed into it, which clogs up the gravel in the water.

The creatures living in the river, which includes Sea Trout and Atlantic Salmon, had suffered from the excess erosion.

https://news.stv.tv/west-central/atlantic-salmon-return-to-argyll-river-after-major-restoration-work

[Woolly Bugger]

Feds recommend 4 Kennebec River dams continue operating with minor fish passage modifications
The report has been criticized by groups that worry the dams will result in the collapse of endangered Atlantic salmon and sturgeon populations.


Shawmut Dam on the lower Kennebec River has been steeped in controversy in recent years.

Federal regulators issued guidance last month suggesting that four lower Kennebec River dams can continue operating if their owner makes slight modifications to allow endangered fish to pass through them.

The stipulations outlined by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff in a Feb. 28 report are far more lenient than what was proposed in requests from Maine environmental agencies, Wabanaki nations, and environmental advocates, who were hoping for significant passway expansions or the dams' outright removal.

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/regional/the-maine-monitor/feds-recommend-four-kennebec-river-dams-continue-operating-minor-fish-passage-modifications/97-ed8992f2-3fb7-46b6-b284-f8d583489ae9