The article discusses efforts to restore habitats for California’s salmon and steelhead, which are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss—90% of vital wetlands have been destroyed. NOAA Fisheries, alongside local partners, aims to revive these populations through targeted habitat restoration, focusing on key actions to reconnect marshes and improve fish passage.
California’s recovery plans outline necessary actions but often lack specificity, leading to scattered restoration efforts. The SHaRP (Salmon Habitat Restoration Priorities) process collaboratively identifies urgent restoration needs in specific river areas, enhancing habitat conditions for salmonids. This approach emphasizes involving local communities and experts to create targeted, effective strategies while considering multiple species and using sound science.
SHaRP initiatives are underway across various California regions, fostering localized, actionable plans to restore healthier habitats and ultimately support wider salmonid populations across degraded areas.
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