Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Endangered Status for a Distinct Population Segment of Anadromous Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the Gulf of Maine

NMFS and FWS (the Services) have completed a status review of U.S. Atlantic salmon populations and have determined that a distinct population segment (DPS) of Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine is in danger of extinction. The Services have reviewed the status of the species and the efforts being made to protect the species and are proposing to place the Gulf of Maine DPS of Atlantic salmon on the list of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The Services have determined that the species' status has declined since the December 1997 determination that listing was not warranted. Specifically, documented adult returns have remained low despite projections of increased marine survival, presmolt survival has been found to be lower than previously estimated, the detection of a new disease led to the destruction of the Pleasant River broodstock, a disease from Europe has affected the Canadian aquaculture industry and spread toward the U.S. border, the use of non-North American strains of Atlantic salmon in the U.S. aquaculture industry has increased, aquaculture escapees continue to be detected in the wild, and salmon habitat continues to be threatened by water withdrawal and sedimentation. If this proposed listing is finalized, the protective measures of the ESA will extend to the Gulf of Maine DPS of Atlantic salmon, and a recovery plan will be prepared and implemented.