Oregon's Coastal Plan: A Walk on the Wild (and Hatchery) Side

Oregon’s coastal watersheds include numerous healthy wild salmon and steelhead populations, many of which support robust fisheries.  This is somewhat unique in the contiguous United States.  Oregon also maintains hatchery programs that augment coastal fisheries.  These wild and hatchery fisheries are vital to coastal economies and culture.  Oregon’s Native Fish Conservation Policy requires maintaining a platform of conservation sustaining wild native species, upon which hatchery and wild fisheries are provided consistent with conservation.   This policy is being implemented for much of Oregon’s coast through the Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan (Coastal Plan), developed through a comprehensive science and stakeholder process.  The Coastal Plan assessed the status of wild populations; developed strategies to shift at-risk populations to viable status and further enhance existing viable populations; established a portfolio of wild and hatchery fish emphasis areas; and solidified research, monitoring and evaluation programs for adaptive management.   Successful implementation of the Coastal Plan will ensure conservation of wild fish species and their habitats and provide a robust and diverse blend of wild and hatchery supported fisheries.  Oregon believes this management approach allows for responsible conservation of wild populations while also providing successful fisheries based on both wild and hatchery fish.