salmon

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is recommending sending $106 million to 16 salmon and steelhead recovery efforts in five Western states, the federal agency said Thursday.

Data show that despite billions in taxpayer investment, salmon and steelhead hatchery programs and restoration projects in the Columbia River Basin have failed to support or boost native fish populations.

The National Marine Fisheries Service said “extraordinary measures” are needed to address the deficient populations of California Chinook salmon stocks in ocean seasons for 2023.