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Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook Salmon

The Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon is an endangered species. NOAA Fisheries selected it as a Species in the Spotlight because it is one of just nine species considered to be most at risk of extinction in the near-term and in need of urgent protection. 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.

West Coast

Table of Contents

Species Status

ESA Listing Status:

ESU Description: This evolutionarily significant unit, or ESU, includes all spawned winter-run Chinook salmon originating from the Sacramento River and its tributaries. It also includes winter-run Chinook salmon from the following artificial propagation programs: The Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery (Supplementation and Captive Broodstock).

Current Population Trends:

Critical Habitat: Designated June 16, 1993 (58 FR 33212)

Protective Regulations: Issued November 5, 1990 (55 FR 46515). The 1990 protective regulations were later superseded by the reclassification of this ESU as Endangered on January 4, 1994 (59 FR 440).

Recovery Plan: Recovery Plan for Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook Salmon, Central Valley Spring-run Chinook Salmon, and Central Valley Steelhead (2014)

Species Recovery

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.

Recovery Plan

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.

Recovery Strategies and Priority Actions for Key Regions

Species in the Spotlight

NOAA Fisheries selected Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon as a Species in the Spotlight because it is one of just nine species considered to be most at risk of extinction in the near-term and in need of urgent protection. We have created a special action plan targeting efforts vital for stabilizing the population to prevent its extinction. The plan is based on information and strategies in the recovery plan.

Partnerships for Recovery

Salmon 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 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 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.

Partners A-F

Partners G-R

Partners S-Z

More Information

Contact

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

Last updated by West Coast Regional Office on 01/30/2023

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