The Willapa Bay Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group aims to restore natural spawning salmon to the streams and rivers of Willapa Bay in sustainable numbers. Our strategic goal is to return natural spawning salmon to their historic healthy and stable mix: chum 65%, coho 25%, and Chinook 10%, with an overall population of 304,000 fish.
To accomplish this goal, we work to:
- Restore and acquire salmon habitat that historically supported salmon runs and spawning grounds.
- Maintain existing salmon habitat to increase ecosystem health and enhance the viability of natural salmon runs and spawning in Pacific County, Washington.
- Utilize hatcheries for broodstock to repopulate streams and rivers that do not have sustainable numbers.
- Use nutrient enhancement to support salmon fry during critical periods of growth.
We work with local citizens and local landowners to develop projects that are not only beneficial to salmon, but are cost effective. We also work with local communities to assist in projects that:
- Promote community awareness of the environment.
- Increase citizens' enjoyment of Willapa Bay's natural beauty.
- Promote the protection and enhancement of the area.
Our strategy's success is based upon volunteer labor and cost effective management, which keeps our administrative costs low and thus provides maximum funds for habitat restoration and salmon enhancement projects. This effort includes working with local landowners to form partnerships for salmon recovery.
For more information about our mission and strategic goals, contact us.