Salmon are iconic to the Pacific Northwet, crucial to our environment, economy, and culture. To help ensure the long-term health and sustainability of salmon populations, fisheries managers need clear and an accurate information about fishing regulations and their impacts.

Why This Project Matters

This project, supported by the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), and the MSF Fund, is designed to address this critical need. We’re building a comprehensive, coastwide database of fishing regulations specifically focusing on Chinook and Coho salmon mark-selective fisheries (MSF). By doing this, we help fishery managers better understand the connections between fishing rules and salmon recovery.

What We’re Doing

• Centralizing Data: We’re compiling thousands of salmon fishing regulations into a single, accessible database—covering key areas such as the Alaska, Oregon, and Washington coasts, Columbia River and Puget Sound.

• Supporting Management: The database directly supports the Chinook Technical Committee (CTC), providing essential data to improve accuracy in fisheries management and salmon conservation.

• Innovative Tools: We are creating interactive maps and intuitive web-based tools that allow managers and scientists to explore regulations and their implications visually.

• Technology-Driven Efficiency: We’re pioneering the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to streamline the complicated process of gathering and analyzing regulation data.

Our Impact

With over 15,000 detailed records already compiled, our work ensures that fisheries management decisions are grounded in the best possible information. This approach benefits salmon populations, the ecosystems they support, and the communities that depend on them.

By providing clear, accessible data, our project empowers better stewardship of Pacific salmon—supporting sustainability today and for future generations.