NOAA adds to overfished list

  • The Associated Press
  • Sunday, August 4, 2019 1:30am
  • News

The Associated Press

Changes in the environment, including warming waters, are prompting the U.S. government to add eight populations of fish — including three populations of coho salmon in Washington state — to its federal overfished list, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

The annual Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries issued Friday said two populations of chinook salmon, including those in the Columbia River basin, and three populations of coho salmon — in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, off the Washington coast near Queets and near Snohomish in Puget Sound — will be added to the list. The agency is also adding Atlantic big eye tuna, Atlantic mackerel of the Gulf of Maine and Cape Hatteras and blue king crab of Saint Matthew Island, Alaska, to the list.

NOAA adds fish stocks to the overfished list when their populations become too low. That prompts rebuilding efforts by management councils and can result in restrictions to commercial fishing.

Environmental changes, habitat degradation and international fishing pressure contributed to the fall in the eight stocks, NOAA said in a statement. The coho salmon stocks, for example, are located in Washington state, where warmer water, drought or degraded habitat made it more difficult to spawn.

“The change in environmental conditions really affects stocks like salmon,” said Alan Risenhoover, director of NOAA’s Office of Sustainable Fisheries.

Warm water conditions could also be affecting the growth of the Saint Matthew Island blue king crab, NOAA said. Chinook and coho salmon have also been affected by drought and lack of enough water for spawning.

NOAA said the vast majority of fish stocks in the U.S. remain at sustainable levels. Less than 18 percent of the stocks for which NOAA has determined a status are considered overfished.

The agency also keeps a list of stocks that have been rebuilt, and the number increased from 44 to 45 last year with the addition of Gulf of Maine smooth skate.

More in News

World War II veteran Arthur Bradow, right, and his daughter Barbara Cason admire a quilt sewn by his niece for his 100th birthday on Dec. 13. Bradow served in the Merchant Marine in the Pacific Theater of Operations and stateside in the U.S. Army Air Forces. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Veteran has 100 years’ worth of experience

Looks back at long life and wealth of knowledge

Veterans Day ceremonies set

Organizations across the Peninsula will conduct a variety of services in observance… Continue reading

Changes to code for floodplain delayed

Effects on Brinnon and farmland considered

EYE ON THE PENINSULA: Proposed budgets top Peninsula agency agendas

Meetings across the North Olympic Peninsula.

Lisa Bridge of Sequim is given a tour by Cithlali Chavez of Fred Hutch Cancer Center inside the giant inflatable colon discussing colon health on Wednesday at the Port Angeles Senior Center’s health and wellness fair. Representatives from Olympic Medical Center, Jamestown Family Health Clinic, North Olympic Healthcare, Clallam County Health and Human Services, Elwha Klallam Tribe and Peninsula Behavior Health were present to answer questions. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Health and wellness fair

Lisa Bridge of Sequim is given a tour by Cithlali Chavez of… Continue reading

Budget projects $6M loss for OMC

Expenses continue to outpace revenues

Port Angeles implements annual business license fee

Those with gross revenue over $25,000 to pay $190

Commissioners discuss addition of south county deputy

Budget modifications may support position

Forks to conduct city budget hearings

The Forks City Council will conduct budget workshops during special… Continue reading

Restrictions lifted on Fairview water system

Clallam County Public Utility District #1 has lifted water restrictions… Continue reading

Election results remain unchanged

Election results continued to hold from initial returns following additional ballot counts… Continue reading

Mike Chapman.
Chapman leads Kelbon for district Senate seat

Mike Chapman was leading the 24th Legislative District state Senate… Continue reading