To restore California salmon for their economic, recreational, commercial, environmental, cultural, and health values.
We achieve this by working closely and regularly with elected officials at both the state and federal levels, as well as unelected policymakers at water agencies, to enhance salmon Hydrology (flows of fresh, cold water), Habitat, and Hatcheries. In order to achieve these goals, we employ a variety of strategies, including:
- Public Relations and Social Media
- Grassroots Mobilization and Empowerment
- Strategic Litigation
- Hands-on Restoration
- Stewardship and Education
Hydrology
We work to secure sustainable and equitable use of fresh Central Valley stream and river water at the state and federal levels. Salmon are the iconic indicator of the environmental health of their ecosystems.
Habitat
We work to implement stream and river habitat restoration projects. We believe that more resources should be allocated to the actual implementation of priority projects, and fewer resources should be devoted to additional studies.
Hatchery
We work to enhance the productivity of salmon hatcheries by encouraging policymakers to optimize release strategies, primarily by relocating release locations closer to or into the Pacific Ocean.
Broad Coalition
GSSA is a coalition that includes commercial and recreational salmon fishermen and women, related businesses, restaurants, a native tribe, environmentalists, elected officials, families, and communities that rely on salmon.
What We Do
We work very closely with staff and leadership of California’s wildlife and water agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Water Board, Dept of Water Resources) as well as with Federal wildlife and water agencies (Bureau of Reclamation, US Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service). We also work to inform state and federal elected policymakers about challenges and practical solutions for salmon and our freshwater environment. We are advocating for California to adopt policies and take action to provide water for the needs of people, salmon, the environment, and the sustainable needs of agriculture.
Our salmon, a key indicator of the health of their habitat, are in real danger. We are pushing for solutions now. We actively collaborate with our partners to restore salmon to the goals set by the state of California and the Federal government. That is 1 million fish returning annually to the Sacramento/San Joaquin river system to spawn.