Biological Viability Assessment Update for Pacific Salmon and Steelhead Listed Under the Endangered Species Act: Pacific Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest, there are currently 18 evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) or distinct population segments (DPSes) of Pacific salmon and steelhead listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). The ESA requires that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) review the status of listed species under its authority at least every five years and determine whether any species should be removed from the list or have its listing status changed. NMFS is conducting such a review in 2020–21 (USOFR 2019). The NMFS West Coast Region (WCR) is responsible for the five-year review process for Pacific salmon and steelhead (Oncorhynchus spp.) and for decision-making regarding any proposed changes in listing status. This report provides updated information and analyses on the biological viability of the listed species, focusing primarily on trends and status in abundance, productivity, spatial structure, and diversity.