[Federal Register: March 25, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 57)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 14507-14517]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25mr99-15]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 223

[Docket No. 980219042-9069-02; I.D. 011498B]
RIN 0648-AK53

 
Endangered and Threatened Species: Threatened Status for Two ESUs 
of Chum Salmon in Washington and Oregon

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule; notice of determination.

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SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is issuing a 
final determination that the Hood Canal summer-run chum salmon 
(Oncorhynchus keta) and Columbia River chum salmon Evolutionarily 
Significant Units (ESUs) are threatened species under the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. Fish in the Hood Canal summer-
run chum salmon ESU spawn in several tributaries to Hood Canal and 
Discovery, Sequim, and Dungeness Bays, Washington, while those in the 
Columbia River chum salmon ESU spawn in tributaries to the lower 
Columbia River in Washington and Oregon.

    In both ESUs only naturally spawned chum salmon residing below 
impassable natural barriers (e.g., long-standing, natural waterfalls) 
are listed. NMFS has examined the relationship between hatchery and 
natural populations of chum salmon in each ESU and determined that none 
of the hatchery populations are currently essential for recovery and, 
therefore, the hatchery populations (and their progeny) are not listed.

    NMFS will issue any protective regulations deemed necessary under 
section 4(d) of the ESA for the listed ESUs in a separate rulemaking. 
Even though NMFS does not now issue protective regulations for these 
ESUs, Federal agencies are required under section 7 of the ESA to 
consult with NMFS if any activity they authorize, fund, or carry out 
may affect listed chum salmon.

DATES: Effective May 24, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Branch Chief, Protected Resources Division, NMFS, 525 NE 
Oregon St., Suite 500, Portland, OR 97232-2737.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Garth Griffin (503) 231-2005, or Chris 
Mobley (301) 713-1401.