Swinomish FY 2022 ESA-Listed and Related Salmonid Recovery Planning in the Skagit Watershed and Puget Sound Region

This project will continue to support the increased role of tribal resource management and policy decision making that is required by the listing of Puget Sound Chinook and Puget Sound steelhead as threatened species. The Tribe will: 1) consult with the NMFS during the listing period to develop and implement appropriate recovery actions; 2) work with other tribes and agencies to ensure the Chinook Recovery Plans are being followed; 3) work with other tribes and agencies on developing a strategy towards increasing the number of Puget Sound Chinook available to Southern Resident killer whales; 4) work with other tribes and agencies on developing a strategy to respond to predation by pinnipeds on Puget Sound Chinook in the context of Chinook recovery; 5) work with other tribes and agencies to ensure the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan and Puget Sound Chinook Resource Management Plans are being followed; 6) coordinate with other tribes and agencies to ensure that the guidelines of NOAAs biological opinion on listed salmonids are achieved; 7) monitor activities of Puget Sound Partnership to ensure implementation of the Chinook Recovery plan as adopted by NOAA, and that Partnership actions are consistent with steelhead recovery; and 8) maintain consultation with the following agencies which are currently involved in recovery planning and resource management affected by the listings : ACOE, NOAA, WDFW, PFMC, PSC, SRSC, Puget Sound Partnership, local governments, and the agricultural community in the Skagit Valley. The tribe will continue to work with these agencies to ensure the Chinook recovery plan, as adopted by NOAA, is implemented, and that the actions of these agencies are consistent with steelhead recovery.

Project provides essential policy direction for recovery planning efforts, including intertribal and interagency coordination, specific implementation schedules, staff work plans, restoration and protection projects, harvest management, fisheries enforcement and regional planning. Direct involvement with agencies and local governments helps ensure policies for the protection and enhancement of endangered species are implemented and monitored.