During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the critical status of juvenile coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon. The discussion underscored the salmon's significance to the region's history, tribal cultures, ecosystems, and economy.

Since the mid-20th century, juvenile coho salmon populations have faced alarming mortality rates, leading to their listing under the Endangered Species Act in the 1990s. This designation reflects ongoing concerns about the species' survival and the broader implications for the region's environmental health and economic stability.

The meeting emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing coho salmon, with stakeholders from various sectors encouraged to engage in conservation initiatives. The discussions serve as a call to action to protect this vital species and ensure the sustainability of the ecosystems that depend on it.