Two Chinook salmon populations are denied Endangered Species Act protections.

Despite having similar life history patterns, not all Chinook salmon are created equal; their differences depend on the river they return to. Over time, as Chinook salmon migrate to the ocean and return to the exact same river to reproduce and die, ecologically and evolutionarily distinct populations form.

On Dec. 9, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration denied protections for two Chinook salmon populations: the Oregon Coast Chinook salmon and the Southern Oregon-Northern California Coastal Chinook salmon, stating they “are not currently in danger of extinction, nor are they likely to become so within the foreseeable future.”

The decision contradicts a 2023 preliminary finding under the Biden administration that said the species deserved increased protections. It also follows a petition from the Native Fish Society, Center for Biological Diversity, and Umpqua Watersheds calling for these groups to be listed as threatened or endangered.

What this means for fishers in Monterey Bay is to be determined. The Central Valley fall-run of Chinook salmon historically has been the population that contributes most to commercial fishing in California, which has been closed for three consecutive years. Because many fish populations geographically overlap at some point in the ocean, an endangered listing would lead to restrictions to mitigate risk.

“Selling out salmon runs will benefit only the logging industry and dam operators,” said Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Without endangered species protections, we could lose these spring run ‘kings’ of salmon forever.”