The California Central Valley steelhead is a threatened species. NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Region, along with the West Coast Science Centers, and the Restoration Center, work to conserve this species under the Endangered Species Act
ESA Listing Status: Threatened on March 19, 1998 (63 FR 13347); reaffirmed January 5, 2006 (71 FR 833)
DPS Description: This distinct population segment, or DPS, includes naturally spawned anadromous O. mykiss (steelhead) originating below natural and manmade impassable barriers from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and their tributaries; excludes such fish originating from San Francisco and San Pablo Bays and their tributaries. This DPS includes steelhead from the following artificial propagation programs:
Current Population Trends:
Critical Habitat: Designated September 2, 2005
Protective Regulations: Issued July 10, 2000 (65 FR 42421)
Recovery Plan: Recovery Plan for Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook, Central Valley Spring-run Chinook, and Central Valley Steelhead (2014)
NOAA Fisheries delineated eight recovery domains, or geographic recovery planning areas, for the ESA-listed salmon and steelhead populations on the West Coast. The California Central Valley Recovery Domain extends from the upper Sacramento River Valley to the northern portion of the San Joaquin River Valley (see map of recovery domains). There are three ESA-listed salmon and steelhead species in this domain:
NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region manages recovery planning and implementation for this domain through its California Central Valley Area Office.
In July 2014, NOAA Fisheries released a Recovery Plan for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, and Central Valley steelhead. The recovery plan draws on the expertise of the Central Valley Technical Recovery Team, agency co-managers, and many public entities and individuals dedicated to recovering these fish. It is based on a sound scientific foundation and is a key decision-making resource for improving and sustaining the health of California's natural environment.
Salmon and steelhead recovery requires action at all levels of government and by all stakeholders to be effective. Partnerships among federal, state, local, and tribal entities, together with non-governmental and private organizations, are key to restoring healthy salmon and steelhead runs and ensuring the cultural, economic, and environmental benefits they provide. Implementing recovery actions is especially critical at the local level. NOAA Fisheries supports this by providing scientific and policy support, providing funding as available, and working with our partners to improve regulatory mechanisms for salmon and steelhead recovery.
Key partners working to restore Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, California Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, and California Central Valley steelhead are identified below.
If you have questions, would like to learn more about recovery efforts in your watershed, or would like to get involved directly, please contact:
West Coast Region - California Central Valley Office
Brian Ellrott
Email: Brian.Ellrott@noaa.gov
Phone: 916.930.3600
An oceanic whitetip shark swims near the surface of the water. Photo courtesy of John Carlson.
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife employee reintroduces salmon into a Central Valley river.
Aerial view of restored floodplain habitat and agricultural property near Sacramento, California.
