Coho salmon once thrived in the waters of Southern Oregon and Northern California, but are now close to extinction due to regional farmers who illegally draw water from salmon habitats for irrigation. Coho salmon have been listed as endangered since 1997.
Farmers have been reporting dead salmon in Oregon and California creek beds, yet continue taking their water for their own interests. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is now drafting a plan and considering fining farmers for taking excessive amounts of water from salmon habitats.
Coho salmon cannot replenish their numbers without serious efforts from the NOAA Fisheries Service and Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please sign the petition to support and encourage efforts to enforce and increase coho salmon protections!
We, the undersigned, are concerned with the declining numbers of endangered coho salmon due to illegal farmer activity.
Farmers have been reporting dead salmon in Oregon and California creek beds, yet continue taking water for their own irrigation interests. We understand that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is now drafting a plan and considering fining farmers for taking excessive amounts of water from salmon habitats.
Coho salmon cannot replenish their numbers without serious efforts from the NOAA Fisheries Service and Department of Fish and Wildlife. We are writing to show our support for increased efforts to enforce existing salmon protections, and to encourage authorities to create legislation to increase their protections. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
