July 2024

Status Review of Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon

On May 24, 2024, NOAA Fisheries published a positive 90-day finding on a petition to list one or more
evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), meaning that our initial review indicates that the petitioned
action may be warranted. Therefore, NOAA Fisheries has commenced an in-depth review of thespecies’ status within the Gulf of Alaska.

Where are we in the petition
process?

The chart to the left outlines thesteps in the petition process. Since
publishing the positive 90-day
finding, we have convened a teamof scientists led by the Alaska
Fisheries Science Center to
conduct a comprehensive statusreview of Chinook salmon
populations in the Gulf of Alaska.
To inform the status review, weare soliciting information from thepublic about the species’ status
until September 6, 2024. We willthen develop the status review
and determine whether listing iswarranted.

What is a status review?

The status review team will collectand analyze the best available
scientific and commercial
information on Gulf of Alaska
Chinook salmon, including its
biology, ecology, abundance andpopulation trends, and threats tothe species, in order to evaluate
the species’ current status andextinction risk. The team will
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service | Alaska Region

develop a status review report that will inform our decision whether any ESU should be proposed forlisting as threatened or endangered under the ESA.

What is an ESU?

Under the ESA, an ESU is a Pacific salmon population or group of populations that is substantially
reproductively isolated from other populations of the same species and represents an importantcomponent of the evolutionary legacy of the species, meaning it contributes substantially to theecological/genetic diversity of the species as a whole. NOAA Fisheries’ ESU Policy (56 FR 58612;
November 20, 1991) defines the criteria for identifying a Pacific salmon population or group of
populations as an ESU. An ESU can be listed as an endangered species or a threatened species underthe ESA.

When will the status review be completed?

The status review report and 12-month finding will be completed in early 2025. If NOAA Fisheries
determines that listing one or more ESUs is warranted, we will publish a positive 12-month finding andproposed rule in the Federal Register and seek public comments on the proposed listing(s). If wedetermine that no ESU warrants listing, we will publish a negative 12-month finding.

How does NOAA Fisheries determine whether a species warrants listing under the ESA?

The ESA (section 4(a)(1)) requires that we determine whether a species is endangered or threatened
based on one or more of the five following factors: (1) the present or threatened destruction,modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (2) overutilization for commercial, recreational,scientific, or educational purposes; (3) disease or predation; (4) the inadequacy of existing regulatory
mechanisms; or (5) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. The ESA
requires us to base our assessment solely on the best scientific and commercial data available.

How may I submit information for the status review?

You may electronically submit data and information relevant to our review of the status of Gulf ofAlaska Chinook salmon via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov andenter NOAA-NMFS-2024-0042 in the Search box. Click on the “Comment” icon, complete the required
fields, and enter or attach your comments. Written comments may be submitted by mail to Anne
Marie Eich, Assistant Regional Administrator, Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region NMFS, Attn.
Susan Meyer, Post Office Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802. Details regarding the types of information weare seeking can be found in the 90-day finding (89 FR 45815; May 24, 2024).

Would an ESA listing for Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon impact subsistence harvest of salmon?

The ESA allows for subsistence harvest of a listed species by Alaska Natives who reside in Alaska, or by
any non-native permanent resident of an Alaska Native village who is primarily dependent upon thetaking of fish for consumption, so long as it is not done in a wasteful manner.

How can I keep up-to-date on the petition process for Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon?

The petition, 90-day finding, and other updates are available from the NOAA Fisheries website at:https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/petition-list-gulf-alaska-chinook-salmon-threatened-orendangered-under-endangered-species

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service | Alaska Region