Recovery Planning: Frequently Asked Questions
NMFS Northwest Regional Office, November, 2000.
- Do I live in an area where salmon are going to be recovered?
- How are geographic areas for recovery being defined?
- What constitutes a salmon population?
- What is an Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU)?
- What is a "listed" species?
- What is the purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
- What are the major steps in the Recovery Planning process?
- How does science fit into the Recovery Planning process?
- How can science lower the costs of recovery?
- What role does the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) play in the Recovery Planning process?
- What are Technical Recovery Teams (TRTs)?
- What is the distinction between the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) and the Northwest Regional Office of NMFS?
- What role do hatchery fish play?
- How can I participate in Recovery Planning?
- How can I learn more about the role of science in Recovery Planning?
1. Q: Do I live in an area where salmon are going to be recovered?
A: If you live in Washington, Oregon, California, or Idaho, you live in a state where salmon are going to be recovered. In Washington, recovery efforts will involve almost the entire state.
2. Q: How are geographic areas for recovery being defined?
A: Because salmon do not recognize state boundaries, nine discrete regions or "domains" have been delineated for purposes of Recovery Planning (http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Salmon-Recovery-Planning/Recovery-Domains/Index.cfm). Boundaries were drawn to encompass the basins and drainages inhabited by one or more of the 26 salmonid species (chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, pink, and steelhead) that are threatened or endangered on the West Coast.
Work has already begun in the Puget Sound and Willamette/Lower Columbia/southwest Washington domains and nominations for persons to serve on teams overseeing the southern Oregon/northern California domain and the central California domain are being solicited in fall, 2000. These teams should be formed by early 2001. As additional resources become available, efforts will expand to the remaining regions.
Back to top3. Q: What constitutes a salmon population?
A: Even among biologists, the term "population" has been defined in a variety of ways. In its most general form, a population of salmon is defined as a group of fish of the same species that occurs in a given habitat. The NMFS defines a salmon population more specifically as a group of fish of the same species that spawns in a particular lake or stream at a particular season and which does not interbreed substantially with fish from any other group spawning in a different place or in the same place at a different season. For salmonids, two groups are considered to be independent populations if their level of interbreeding does not substantially alter either group or affect their risk of extinction over a 100-year time frame.
4. Q: What is an Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU)?
A: An ESU is a collection of one or more salmon populations that share similar genetic, ecological, and life history traits but differ in important ways from salmon in other ESUs. Salmon ESUs are considered to be "distinct population segments" under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Because a species, as defined in the ESA, can include subspecies, salmon ESUs can be listed under the ESA if they are threatened or endangered. Because the ESA does not explain or define how "distinct population segments" should be identified, the NMFS has developed a policy to do this for salmon based on the ESU concept.
5. Q: What is a "listed" species?
A: A listed species is one that has been officially designated as "threatened" or "endangered" under the ESA (i.e., it is a species at risk of extinction). Listed species and their habitats fall under special legal protections outlined in the ESA.
6. Q: What is the purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
A: The ESA provides a program to conserve endangered species and their habitats, and it outlines the steps that must be taken to achieve these objectives. It is impossible to preserve the Earth's biodiversity without also preserving the habitats and ecosystems that species need to survive.
7. Q: What are the major steps in the Recovery Planning process?
A: There are two major steps in the Recovery Planning process as defined by the NMFS. The first step, often referred to as Phase I by the NMFS, involves determining the conditions necessary to recover a listed species. Often this is referred to as specifying "delisting criteria" because delisting can only occur when the risk of extinction has been eliminated. This is an objective, technical exercise carried out by scientists.
The second step, often referred to as Phase II of the process, involves developing a Recovery Plan for a species that will allow that species to meet the delisting criteria established in Phase I. Such plans may also address broader recovery goals (e.g., sustainable harvest). In developing Recovery Plans, consideration must be given to treaty laws, national and regional economic impacts, and recreational interests, as well as to science. Ideally, Phase I and Phase II would be partially sequential. In reality, Phase II may begin before Phase I has been completed if those impacted by the decisions that will be made want the NMFS to approve recovery plans quickly so that they can undertake desired land, water, or fishery management activities without delay.
Back to top8. Q: How does science fit into the Recovery Planning process?
A: Scientific research tells us whether fish stocks are threatened or endangered and it can evaluate the effects of recovery actions. The risks and benefits of numerous biological and environmental variables can then be more accurately weighed against one another in the decision-making process. Resource managers and policy makers need these data and analyses to avoid implementing measures that are unnecessary or potentially harmful to salmon.
9. Q: How can science lower the costs of recovery?
A: Science provides the raw data upon which informed and cost-effective management decisions can be made. For example, results from research currently being conducted at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) suggest that some habitats are more crucial for salmon survival and recovery than others. By understanding which habitats are most beneficial, science can help guide decision-makers in prioritizing which to target for restoration or retention. Additionally, science can help policy makers understand how various risk factors contribute to the overall risk faced by specific fish stocks. By having a sound understanding of each of the risks involved in salmon recovery, more cost effective decisions can be made.
10. Q: What role does the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) play in the Recovery Planning process?
A: The NWFSC is responsible for providing scientific and technical support for the management, conservation, and development of the Pacific Northwest region's anadromous and marine fisheries resources. Center biologists conduct multidisciplinary research involving fisheries science, marine biology and ecology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, oceanography, and aquaculture. They also chair the Technical Recovery Teams (TRTs) associated with Recovery Planning for each domain in the Northwest.
11. Q: What are Technical Recovery Teams (TRTs)?
A: Technical Recovery Teams (TRTs) are groups of ca. 6-9 respected scientists from inside and outside government with a mix of expertise in salmon biology, population dynamics, conservation biology, ecology, and all other disciplines necessary for setting recovery standards and for measuring recovery efforts. TRT members have been appointed by the NMFS based on their ability to assess factors responsible for the decline of each of the 26 salmon populations that have been identified as at risk of extinction. They also will develop recovery goals for the fish and their habitats. The TRTs will work in coordination with teams of existing scientists from state, federal, tribal, and local agencies, and in concert with ongoing conservation planning efforts in each region.
12. Q: What is the distinction between the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) and the Northwest Regional Office of NMFS?
A: Each of the five regions within the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has two parts, a science center that conducts research and a regional office that deals with policy and management issues. The scientists at the NWFSC are not policy makers. Their mission is to provide the independent scientific advice necessary to meet NOAA's stewardship role of conserving and managing living marine resources and their habitats. Center scientists frequently provide independent, biological assessments of the validity of "take permits" requested under the ESA. However, they do not grant or deny such permits. Their scientific conclusions are simply forwarded to the NMFS Regional Office where all permit and policy decisions are made. Similarly, researchers at the Center conduct species' status reviews, but it is the Regional Office that makes all final listing decisions. With respect to recovery planning, Center researchers, working with the TRTs, will provide the scientific basis on which Recovery Plans are drawn up, but it is managers from the Regional Office that will work with other local and regional planners to develop those plans.
13. Q: What role do hatchery fish play?
A: Hatchery fish offer a number of potential benefits to society. They provide abundant fish for harvest, help meet Tribal treaty obligations, and can help prevent extinction of threatened or endangered populations. However, hatchery fish also present ecological and genetic risks to natural fish populations. They often differ from native fish in their behavior, appearance, or physiology, and they may compete with native fish for food and spawning sites. They may even prey on native salmon or attract predators which then attack the salmon. In addition, hatchery fish may have less genetic variation than native fish. When the two interbreed, native salmon often inherit traits that are advantageous in hatchery fish but disadvantageous in nature (e.g., early spawning timing). Thus, native fish may become less able to withstand natural environmental changes or fluctuations when they interbreed with hatchery fish.
14. Q: How can I participate in Recovery Planning?
A: There are numerous state and local organizations devoted to salmon recovery and habitat conservation. Many are looking for volunteers. Become involved with your local watershed council, salmon advocacy groups, or environmental conservation organizations. There are many opportunities and ways for individuals to improve water quality and help salmon. To learn more, start with the following URLs:
15. Q: How can I learn more about the role of science in Recovery Planning?
A: Check out the web site of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center:
last modified 02/08/2008