Ocean conditions off most of the U.S. West Coast are returning roughly to average, after an extreme marine heatwave from about 2014 to 2016 disrupted the California Current Ecosystem and shifted many species beyond their traditional range.
Biologists are capitalizing on a unique opportunity this year to “jump start” the recovery of Sacramento winter-run Chinook salmon, one of the nation’s most critically endangered species.
Ocean conditions off most of the U.S. West Coast are returning roughly to average, after an extreme marine heat wave from about 2014 to 2016 disrupted the California Current Ecosystem and shifted many species beyond their traditional range.
Ocean conditions for salmon headed to sea this year are very poor, with a high likelihood of depressing salmon returns to the Columbia River in the next few years.
Interpreting relationships between species and their environments is crucial to inform ecosystem-based management (EBM), a priority for NOAA Fisheries.
