Salmon industry bailout could top $170 million

The federal government is poised to bailout the Pacific Northwest salmon industry with a package that could exceed $170 million, officials said Tuesday.

The money would be used for infrastructure projects, hatchery upgrades and other conservation measures aimed at preserving the iconic fish in the face of a warming climate and dwindling stocks.

"This is fantastic news, not only for the thousands of people who rely on the salmon industry for their livelihoods but also for the millions of Americans who enjoy wild Pacific salmon every year," Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Washington Republican, said in a statement.

The package still must be approved by Congress. The measure is included in an $867 million spending bill that includes emergency aid for Flint, Michigan, and wildfire relief in California.

Money for the salmon bailout would come from two existing programs: one aimed at restoring habitat for endangered species and another focused on improving water quality in Puget Sound. Some of the projects have been in the works for years, but haven't received funding.

Restoring streams and improving water quality are seen as key to helping salmon rebound. Hatcheries also play a role in bolstering stocks, but many have fallen into disrepair over the years. The spending bill would provide $40 million for hatchery upgrades.

The Northwest has been hit particularly hard by climate change, with warmer temperatures and less snowpack leading to less streamflow and drier conditions. That has made it more difficult for young salmon to migrate to the ocean and raised concerns about their survival.

Bill to aid salmon industry heads to House

The $50.8 billion bill that would help the salmon industry in the Pacific Northwest and 14 other states is making its way to the House of Representatives.

The bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in early March, was passed unanimously by the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The House is expected to vote on the bill this week.

"This bill is a win for Washington state's economy and our environment," Murray said in a statement. "It will provide critical funding to help our iconic salmon industry, as well as important investments in renewable energy, wildfire suppression and other critical needs."

The legislation includes $216 million for projects aimed at restoring salmon habitat, including culverts that allow the fish to migrate upstream. It also includes money for renewable energy projects, wildfire suppression and other programs.

Washington's congressional delegation has long sought more money for salmon restoration projects. In December, they succeeded in getting $75 million included in a year-end spending bill.

The new bill would provide an additional $141 million for those efforts. Of that, $100 million would be directed toward out-of-stream culverts replacement and modification projects identified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Washington state Salmon industry on the decline

The salmon industry in Washington state is on the decline, and fishermen and researchers are not sure why. The number of salmon caught in Washington state has decreased by more than 60% since the early 1990s, and there are concerns that the salmon population could soon collapse.

There are several theories about why the salmon population is declining. Some researchers believe that ocean conditions, such as warmer water temperatures, have caused the salmon to migrate to cooler waters, where they are harder to catch. Others believe that overfishing and pollution have contributed to the decline.

In order to save the salmon industry, fishermen and researchers need to find out what is causing the decline and take steps to address the problem. In the meantime, it is important for people who love seafood to eat other types of fish, such as halibut or crab, instead of salmon.

House backs $170 million for Pacific Northwest salmon fishing industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $170 million for the Pacific Northwest salmon fishing industry, in an effort to mitigate damages done by the federal government shutdown.

The bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), passed with a voice vote on Thursday. If signed into law, the measure would provide direct assistance to fishermen, seafood processors and others in the industry who have suffered significant losses as a result of the ongoing shutdown.

"Fishing is a way of life for many in the Pacific Northwest, and this bill provides much needed relief for those who have lost their livelihood as a result of the government shutdown," said Newhouse. "I'm grateful that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle came together to support this important measure."

Newhouse's district in Washington state is one of the most heavily impacted by the government shutdown, with nearly $100 million in economic losses reported to date. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Salmon crisis: Industry needs your help

The salmon industry is in a state of crisis. Prices are down, and many fishermen are going out of business. We need your help to keep the industry alive.

Salmon is a vital part of our economy, and we need to do everything we can to save it. Please consider buying salmon products from your local grocery store or restaurant.

Thank you for your help.