Conserving this Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources cannot be successful without the partnership of Tribes; they manage or influence some of the most important aquatic habitats both on and off reservations. In addition, the Federal government and the Service have distinct and unique obligations toward Tribes based on trust responsibility, treaty provisions, and statutory mandates.

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Marking fish en mass

The Columbia River Fisheries Program Office is in the business of marking fish. Each year biologists assist the Yakama, Nez Perce, Umatilla, and Warm Springs tribes by marking or tagging about 4,000,000 Chinook and coho salmon. The fish are stocked in the Yakima, Wenatchee, Clearwater, Walla Walla, and Hood rivers as part of salmon restoration programs. Another 24 million fish get tagged at other hatcheries. When fish are re-captured later the tags provide information critical to fisheries managers.

Under several 1850s United States treaties, Columbia River treaty tribes have rights to harvest half of the surplus of fish destined to pass through their historic fishing areas. Marked fish and the data they yield help determine if this allocation goal is being achieved. (Howard Schaller).

Disclaimer: Resource accomplishments provided by the tribe are for informational purposes only. It does not imply endorsement of any kind by the U.S. Government.