In a move environmentalists are hailing as an important victory for Chinook salmon conservation, the federal government has agreed to decide this year whether the fish warrants federal protections. By Nov. 3, the National Marine Fisheries Service must decide whether so-called Oregon Coast and Southern Oregon and Northern California Coastal varieties of Chinook salmon warrant protections under the Endangered Species Act. By Jan. 2 of next year, feds must do the same for Washington Coast spring-run Chinook salmon, according to a settlement agreement from Thursday. The Center for Biological Diversity — joined by the Native Fish Society, Umpqua Watersheds, and Pacific Rivers — in February sued the service and two top officials after the service failed to issue 12-month findings on the groups’ petitions to list the fish. 

Other salmon news:

• Stocktonia (Calif.): Spring-run salmon improves due to revitalized migration patterns
• The Olympian (Olympia, Wash.): Nisqually warn that Trump’s proposed budget threatens salmon recovery — and treaty rights
• California WaterBlog: Build it, and they will come — early evidence for establishment of Chinook salmon in Putah Creek, CA