Endangered and Threatened Species: 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Olympic Peninsula Steelhead Distinct Population Segment Under the Endangered Species Act

Key Points

• 1The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) evaluated whether Olympic Peninsula steelhead should be listed as endangered or threatened species
• 2Steelhead are salmon-like fish found in rivers on Washington's Olympic Peninsula that have experienced significant population declines
• 3If listed as endangered or threatened, the fish would receive federal protection including restrictions on water use, dam operations, and development that could harm their habitat
• 4The decision affects fishing regulations, water management policies, and development projects in the Olympic Peninsula region
• 5This ruling helps determine what conservation actions must be taken to prevent the extinction of this specific steelhead population

Key Dates