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A coalition has committed to working with the National Marine Fisheries Service to develop a long-term plan to protect salmon runs, which are critical to the Southern Resident orca that feed on them.
The odds of winning the race to save the Southern Resident orca could improve soon.
On Oct. 21, a coalition of fishing and conservation groups submitted a request to suspend a lawsuit that challenges the federal plan for dam operations on the Snake and Columbia Rivers. If approved, the coalition has committed to working with the National Marine Fisheries Service to develop a long-term plan to protect the rivers’ salmon runs, which are critical to the orca that feed on them.
In the interim, federal agencies agreed to a compromise on hydropower operations that would allow juvenile salmon to pass through more quickly during migration.
“Pacific Northwest salmon are a vital part of keeping Washington’s ecosystems healthy,” said Mandy Apa, a conservation associate with Environment Washington. “It is exciting to see progress in the discussions around creating a comprehensive long-term solution to help save the salmon that, in turn, will save the orca.”
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Photo: Chinook salmon are 80% of the Southern Resident orca’s diet – but there aren’t enough to go around. Credit: Tory Kallman via Shutterstock
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