I applaud the hard work of local agriculture, forestry, state, tribal and other federal partners to develop a solid plan for recovery. This is an encouraging example of the diverse interests that can come together to improve conditions for salmon in the Pacific Northwest.

By giving it protection under the ESA, we have a better chance of keeping this population alive for future generations.

It triggers a consultation. It doesn't automatically trigger restrictions.

It strikes a careful balance between ensuring there will be enough salmon for healthy runs in the future, while ensuring there will be as many opportunities as possible for fishermen to harvest other healthier stocks.

This administration remains solidly committed to recovering Pacific salmon, and I am pleased to join the State of Oregon and local stakeholders in celebrating this important milestone. I applaud the hard work of local agriculture, forestry, state, tribal and other federal partners to develop a solid plan for recovery. This is an encouraging example of the diverse interests that can come together to improve conditions for salmon in the Pacific Northwest.

This is the first time we have taken such an extensive approach to protecting offshore habitat. Over the long run, we expect that not only will we have a healthier ocean but that the fishing will get better as well.

Strictly private activity is not regulated under critical habitat.

Our efforts to protect salmon are yielding measurable improvements, and we are hard at work on recovery plans.

While these animals are in trouble, there is not sufficient justification to list the Puget Sound population under the ESA.

That's the tool that adds something to the protections for the whales.