Lower Columbia River Fisheries

The Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead tributary fisheries are managed by state and tribal fisheries managers to limit total impacts on ESA-listed species. The fishery frameworks in place in the Lower Columbia River tributary fisheries were developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife along with tribal fisheries managers for tributaries in their respective states. The effects of these fisheries are reported to NOAA Fisheries annually.

In considering fishery proposals, NOAA Fisheries evaluates tribal plans under the Tribal 4(d) Rule and state plans under either limit 4 of the salmon and steelhead 4(d) Rule or Section 10 of the ESA. We also consider impacts of fishery plans on any other non-target ESA-listed species under NOAA Fisheries’ jurisdiction. Prior to making a determination or issuing a permit, we provide the plans of evaluations for public review and comment.

We are also required to evaluate these fisheries proposals under NEPA  to determine the effects of these actions on the human environment.

For more information, please contact Rich Turner at (503) 736-4737, rich.turner@noaa.gov.