The Departments of Commerce and the Interior announced a $240 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to support fish hatcheries that produce Pacific salmon and steelhead. This initiative underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to empowering Tribal Nations and fulfilling federal trust and treaty responsibilities. Fish hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest are vital for subsistence, ceremonial, and economic benefits for Tribal communities, as well as fulfilling Treaty-reserved fishing rights. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will partner with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to deliver this funding to regional Tribes.
These investments build on the administration’s agreement to restore salmon in the Columbia River Basin and follow a report documenting the impacts of federal Columbia River dams on Columbia River Basin Tribes. The investments further progress toward empowering Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, aligning with Executive Order 14112 signed by President Biden at the 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit. By executing these awards through Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act contracts, administrative burdens on awardee Tribes will be reduced. NOAA plans to continue its partnership with BIA for future opportunities addressing Tribal needs across the United States.
“Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda...this cross-agency partnership will ensure Tribal communities have the resources they need to sustain Pacific salmon and steelhead fisheries,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “There’s also more to be done, and I look forward to working with all Tribes and Congressional champions.”
“Since time immemorial, Tribes in the Pacific Northwest have relied on Pacific salmon...for sustenance,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “This funding will help us deliver historic investments...that will empower Indigenous communities.”
Tribal fish hatchery production supports commercial, subsistence, recreational fishing, tourism, and ecosystems from California to Alaska. Millions of fish produced annually drive employment, nutrition for families, cultural traditions preservation, and recreation.
An initial $54 million is available to 27 Tribes in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska for hatchery maintenance and modernization needs. The remaining funds will be competitively allocated to support long-term infrastructure viability for Pacific salmon and steelhead propagation.
