The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has allocated USD 50 million (EUR 46 million) in grants to bolster habitat restoration efforts statewide, with a focus on projects aimed at revitalizing salmon populations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the significance of these investments in a statement, stating, “These new investments are crucial to our long-term efforts to revive California’s salmon population, and we are working hand in hand with local communities and tribes with deep-rooted experience in addressing these challenges.”
These grants represent a portion of the USD 200 million (EUR 185 million) committed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife for salmon restoration efforts, with half of the funding dedicated to emergency measures to safeguard salmon from drought and climate change.
Chuck Bonham, Director of CDFW, highlighted the importance of timely action, stating, “Timing is crucial, and these projects offer an opportunity to mitigate the ongoing threat posed by extreme climate and weather patterns.”
Several of the projects funded align with Governor Newsom’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, launched in January, which outlines six priorities and 71 specific actions aimed at restoring California’s salmon populations.
In announcing the strategy, Newsom emphasized the cultural significance of salmon in California’s history and expressed his commitment to ensuring their survival for future generations.