Salmon hatcheries in Pacific Northwest

The U.S. government has announced a $240 million investment to support salmon and steelhead hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest, aimed at revitalizing declining fish populations and upholding the fishing rights of Native American tribes. An initial funding of $54 million will be allocated to 27 tribes across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska for maintenance and modernization of hatcheries, some of which are facing severe infrastructure issues. NOAA Fisheries' Jennifer Quan emphasized the cultural and spiritual importance of these hatcheries to the tribes, noting that many facilities require urgent repairs, with a maintenance backlog exceeding $1 billion. The funding is part of a broader effort to restore the ecosystem of the Columbia River Basin and address the impacts of federal dams on local tribes. Additionally, the Nez Perce Tribe plans to use part of the funding for specific improvements to enhance fish production and overall infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the Biden administration's commitment to empowering Indigenous communities and fulfilling treaty obligations.