Home / Environment / Oregon Salmon Saved: Funding Secured for Vital Fishery Program
Oregon Salmon Saved: Funding Secured for Vital Fishery Program
7 Sep
Summary
- SAFE program funding extended for one additional federal fiscal year.
- Reprieve ensures survival of over 7 million salmon and $2.4 million gap.
- Program vital for Oregon fisheries, wild salmon, and killer whale food source.
Oregon's Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program has been granted a critical one-year funding extension, averting its immediate closure. Governor Tina Kotek secured this reprieve from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), ensuring the program's continuation for the upcoming federal fiscal year. This decision reverses BPA's earlier announcement to end funding, which threatened over 7 million salmon and a $2.4 million budget shortfall for its operating partners.
The SAFE program, a cornerstone of Oregon's fishing communities for over three decades, annually produces millions of salmon. These fish bolster recreational and commercial fisheries, including the prominent Buoy 10 fishery. The program also plays a significant role in reducing pressure on wild salmon stocks and serves as a vital food source for endangered southern resident killer whales.
This one-year extension provides a critical window for state and regional partners to collaborate on a sustainable, long-term funding strategy. The reversal followed extensive advocacy from various stakeholders, including state officials, congressional delegations, legislators, and the fishing community, highlighting the program's importance to both the economy and local traditions.
