Some climatologists and oceanographers now believe the ocean is shifting back to colder temperatures that will produce much more favorable conditions for salmon. After maturing in the ocean, adult salmon begin their long journey homing to their natal stream. Depending on the species, ocean harvest mortality can be significant. In addition, marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions are considered a significant cause of salmon mortality. Marine mammals, a protected species, are experiencing five percent population increases each year.
Fishing still occurs on all Columbia River salmon stocks.
Even though harvest levels for some species have been reduced, other stocks are still being either targeted or inadvertently caught by tribal, sport and commercial fishermen. Researchers have estimated a four-percent adult salmon loss between dams as they move upstream. It is, though, uncertain whether this loss is attributed to adult fish ladder passage, dam tailrace conditions, harvest-related mortality or other causes. Only in the Pacific Northwest can you buy an Endangered Species Harvest has been reduced since the ESA listings for salmon, but it still occurs. For over 75 years, they and our state fish and wildlife agencies have been leveraged, lobbied, and even threatened to maintain higher harvest levels for the commercial fishing industry.