What is the status of the Columbia Basin salmon populations?

Despite court orders, most of the 13 listed salmon populations in the Columbia Basin are on a path to extinction, not recovery.

How have federal agencies responded to court rulings on salmon protection plans?

Federal agencies have repeatedly issued salmon protection plans that have been struck down by the courts for failing to adequately protect the endangered salmon.

What was the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement, and why was it renounced?

The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement, adopted in 2023, included investments, changes in dam operations, and studies on replacing the services of four dams on the lower Snake River. However, in June 2025, the second Trump administration unilaterally renounced this agreement.

Home / Environment / Decades-Long Legal Battle Over Columbia Basin Salmon Reignites

Decades-Long Legal Battle Over Columbia Basin Salmon Reignites

1 Nov

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Summary

Salmon advocates have fought for over 3 decades to protect Columbia Basin salmon
Federal agencies have issued 8 failed salmon protection plans since 1992
Courts have repeatedly struck down federal plans for failing to protect salmon

Decades-Long Legal Battle Over Columbia Basin Salmon Reignites

For over 3 decades, salmon advocates have been fighting to protect the Columbia Basin salmon. In 2025, this long-running legal battle has reignited after the federal government recently reneged on a historic agreement to protect these endangered fish.

Since 1992, federal agencies have put forth no fewer than 8 plans for operating the hydropower system while ostensibly protecting threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia Basin. However, 3 different federal district judges have declared 6 of these plans illegal for failing to adequately protect salmon and steelhead. The very first plan was invalidated in 1994, with the judge proclaiming that the "situation literally cries out for a major overhaul."