What impact does the federal Endangered Species Act have on fishing seasons and quotas?
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is the major limiting factor in structuring Columbia River fishing seasons. Of the salmon and steelhead stocks originating in the Columbia River Basin, 13 have been listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA since 1991. ESA-listed fish comprise a portion of nearly every run of salmon/steelhead in the river, and almost all fisheries occurring in the Columbia River encounter at least some ESA-listed fish. Fisheries must be carefully structured to minimize impacts on ESA-listed fish, while maximizing fishery opportunities for healthier stocks and hatchery fish. Federal ESA impact limitations are developed and mandated to the states by NOAA Fisheries. The ESA listings require the states to develop fisheries that are able to comply with these limitations, and the allowable fishery impact rates specified by NOAA Fisheries cannot be exceeded. In spring Chinook fisheries, mark-selective (adipose fin-clip only) rules are used in recreational and commercial
