In Washington, millions of young Chinook salmon are released in April from the hatchery area, where they begin as small pink fry, making their way downstream to help rebuild salmon populations. They play a crucial role in an ecosystem that impacts tribal, commercial, and recreational fishing, and are a primary food source for endangered killer whales.
This year, however, there are nearly 12 hatcheries in the Puget Sound region. Due to a lack of staffing caused by an employee at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration being let go in February, efficiency within the government has been compromised.
The employee in question is Christa Finlay, whose role at NOAA was to ensure that hatcheries complied with endangered species laws before releasing fish into Puget Sound. She was one of many federal employees, including interns and fellows, who lost their jobs in February. Finlay, who had been with NOAA for over two years, expressed concern for the Salmon Run.
“If we fail to release millions of salmon this year and in the future, it will have long-lasting repercussions,” Finlay stated. “Without salmon returning in the coming years, there will be no offspring to release, leading to a significant delay in the recovery process.”
Source: www.nytimes.com