Our Impact
Turning advocacy into action — measurable wins for salmon and the people who depend on them. Through policy leadership, common-sense solutions, and collaboration with fishermen, conservationists, and agencies, GSSA ensures real progress where it matters most: in our waters.
$20 MILLION
$20 million in federal salmon restoration funds steered to better projects due to GSSA intervention
2 MILLION
2 million extra Coleman hatchery fry were released, and a DNA tagging program was started
1,000 ACRES
Restoration of over 1,000 acres of floodplain due to GSSA intervention to win permits
200 KIDS
200 kids provided with on-water experiential education activities and charter boat fishing trips
Key Programs
Turning strategy into solutions — coordinated efforts in water, hatcheries, habitat, and education that deliver measurable progress for salmon, rivers, and the communities that rely on them.
WATER POLICY
Water Policy Advocating for science-based water flow and temperature policies for California’s rivers to protect salmon and maintain healthy Central Valley rivers
HATCHERIES
Hatcheries Increasing survivor rates of smolt from indigenous salmon to bolster populations for people and nature
HABITAT
Habitat Restoration and preservation of habitat are required for spawning, successful egg hatches, and smolt migration to the ocean
EDUCATION
Education: Creating future fishermen and women, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists through on-water and charter boat experiences for inner-city children
Salmon Under Assault
California’s salmon are facing survival challenges from dams, diversions, and disappearing habitat. GSSA is leading the effort to restore the rivers, hatcheries, and water policies necessary for recovery.
THE PROBLEM
All the major salmon rivers in California are now dammed, cutting off access to habitat and the natural flows salmon need to survive. River banks, side channels, and floodplains, all needed to rear salmon, have been badly altered.
THE SOLUTION
Restoring some semblance of more natural river conditions, with adequate cold water flows and bank, side channel, and floodplain habitat, is needed to support salmon recovery. Maximizing hatchery production is necessary to keep the industry viable.
THE PLAN
GSSA has developed a science-based plan that prioritizes restoration of salmon through a series of hatchery, habitat, and water flow improvements. Science shows that leaving more water in the rivers is the single best thing to do to help salmon.
More From GSSA
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When you sign up, you’ll become a member of Golden State Salmon’s Action Network. We will keep you informed with the latest action alerts, victories, progress reports, salmon fishery updates, and our monthly newsletter.
Industry Partners & Sponsors
United by a shared commitment to restore California’s salmon, our partners and sponsors provide vital support for on-the-water projects, advocacy, and community education.
