Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

Official abstract: Notice is hereby given that NMFS received three Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs) for hatchery programs rearing and releasing fall-run chum salmon in the Skagit River basin. The plans describe hatchery programs operated by the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), as co-managers. Following the public comment period, and consistent with the rule for salmon and steelhead, this document serves to notify the public of the availability of an Evaluation and Recommended Determination document (ERD) on implementing the proposed hatchery programs the associated HGMPs, which concludes that it will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery nor modify or destroy critical habitat of Puget Sound Chinook salmon or Puget Sound steelhead.