FY 2016 NWIFC Program Administration

The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (the Commission), a Pacific Northwest tribal organization whose members are the Nisqually, Squaxin Island, Puyallup, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, Skokomish, Swinomish, Sauk Suiattle, Upper Skagit, Tulalip, Makah, Stillaguamish, Muckleshoot, Suquamish, Nooksack, Lummi, Hoh, Quinault, and Quileute Tribes (the Tribes). Formed in 1975, the Commission provides its members with a single, unified voice on fisheries management and conservation issues, and assists the Tribes in conducting orderly and biologically sound salmon fisheries and recovery programs. The Commission supports the Tribes’ fisheries management programs through the provision of technical assistance, information sharing, policy coordination, and grant distribution. Notwithstanding their membership in the Commission, each tribe has and maintains an independent, government to government relationship with each other and with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund provided the Tribes with much needed funding for their ongoing efforts to protect and recover depleted salmon stocks in the Pacific Northwest, many of which are now threatened by extinction and subject to federal regulation by the NMFS under the Endangered Species Act. The funds for this program are used in the implementation of salmon recovery strategies through tribal projects related to salmon habitat restoration, salmon stock enhancement, salmon research, and supplementation activities.

NWIFC administrative services supported through this award will aid member tribes in implementing their salmon recovery programs.