Western Washington Fishery Resources

Photo: USFWS

Photo: USFWS

Photo: USFWS

Background

Since 1871, the Fish and Wildlife Service has protected and enhanced fish populations and their habitats. Through partnerships, we work to conserve and restore the nation's aquatic resources for the long-term benefit of the public. We also provide technical expertise to ensure protection and conservation of fish populations and habitat. Our operations extend throughout western Washington from the crest of the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean and from the Canadian border to the Columbia River.

Who We Are

We are an integrated team of experienced fish and wildlife biologists, hatchery operation specialists, bio-statisticians, and support personnel. As a result of our diverse technical expertise, we are able to explore a variety of factors affecting wild and hatchery fish and other aquatic resources. Our team is dedicated to the recovery and maintenance of our trust resources.

What We Do

Hatchery Monitoring and Evaluation
In the rapidly evolving realm of fisheries management, we have increased the effectiveness of our hatchery evaluation system and have made significant progress on hatchery reforms. We are strengthening our ability to meet our goals of providing sustainable fisheries, avoiding or reducing impacts to wild salmonid populations, and to recover and conserve native stocks of salmonids.

     National Fish Hatchery (NFH) Assistance
     • Threatened Lake Ozette sockeye salmon recovery at Makah NFH
     • Threatened Hood Canal summer chum salmon recovery at Quilcene NFH

Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance (FWMA)
Several innovative studies are currently underway in western Washington. These long-term projects are designed to explore salmonid habitat use. They also provide habitat and population assessments necessary in the management and recovery of our fish resources. Current projects include:

     • Lake Washington and Cedar River Chinook salmon habitat studies
     • Fish use of engineered logjams
     • Elwha River Dam removal project