NOAA Fisheries Finds Listing Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon Under the Endangered Species Act “Not Warranted”

NOAA Fisheries has completed a status review and 12-month finding for Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon in response to a January 2024 petition. The Wild Fish Conservancy petitioned to delineate and list one or more evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. 

We have determined that listing any of the three ESUs of Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted. This determination is based on the best available scientific and commercial information and the findings of the status review.

Based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we identified three ESUs for Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon: 

• Southeast Gulf of Alaska – all populations in Alaska east of Cape Fairweather
• Central Gulf of Alaska – populations from Cape Fairweather through Cordova
• Northwest Gulf of Alaska – populations from Cook Inlet, the Kenai Peninsula, and the South Alaska Peninsula

The three ESUs were delineated primarily through extensive analyses of genetic differences, barriers to migration, and habitat breaks. After an analysis of each ESU, we found that all three units are at low risk of extinction.

Status Review and Findings

Following a positive 90-day finding in May 2024 indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted, we assembled a status review team of scientists to review the best available scientific and commercial information. The team worked with salmon biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, as well as a Tribal liaison, for sources of data and regional ecological and biological expertise. We also reached out to all Alaska Native Tribes and corporations in the Gulf of Alaska and consulted with those who expressed interest. Information provided by Tribal partners at these consultations contributed to the Status Review Report.