Western pond turtle populations have declined due to commercial exploitation for food, loss of habitat and introduced predators, such as bullfrogs and large-mouth bass. By the mid-1990s, Western pond turtles were found in just two small populations totaling about 150 turtles. Led by WDFW, the Western Pond Turtle Working Group, continues to work to overcome threats to species survival. Learn more >>
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife: 2012 Annual Report
This report summarizes recent recovery actions for the 46 endangered, threatened, and sensitive wildlife species in Washington, with an emphasis on activities occurring in 2012. It also includes accounts for 26 of the 113 species that are candidates for listing as endangered, threatened, or sensitive. Learn more >>
Columbia River salmon and steelhead face a serious threat from California sea lions that prey on fish waiting to move up the fish ladders at Bonneville Dam in early spring. Each year since 2002, sea lions have consumed thousands of migrating fish, many from threatened and endangered runs protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Learn more >>
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife developed the 21st Century Salmon and Steelhead Initiative to meet its responsibilities in recovering salmon and steelhead and provide sustainable fisheries.
To ensure healthy stocks of rockfish populations in Puget Sound, WDFW has developed a draft Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation Plan, which is the preferred alternative among several presented in a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The goal of the draft conservation plan is to restore and protect our natural heritage of Puget Sound rockfish populations. Learn More >>