Murkowski: NOAA Decision on Chinook ESA Listing Provides Much-Needed Clarity

05.14.26 Murkowski: NOAA Decision on Chinook ESA Listing Provides Much-Needed Clarity Washington, DC— U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) completed its review process and declined to list Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA found that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon do not meet the necessary criteria to be classified as threatened or endangered under the ESA. “NOAA made the right decision here, relying on sound science to determine that it is not appropriate to list Alaska’s Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered,” said Senator Murkowski. “Alaska’s Kings do need help, but the ESA is not the right tool and would not have saved our salmon. This decision lifts the cloud of uncertainty cast by a deeply flawed petition and will hopefully allow everyone—from federal agencies, to the State of Alaska, to coastal communities who depend on fisheries—to focus on more practical solutions to ensure stronger runs.” ### Print Email Tweet