Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan for the Southern Distinct Population Segment of Eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus)

This Recovery Plan serves as a blueprint for the protection and recovery of the southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) using the best available science per the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Recovery Plan links management actions to an active research program to fill data gaps and a monitoring program to assess these actions’ effectiveness. Research and monitoring results will provide information to refine ongoing actions and prioritize new actions to achieve the Plan’s goal: to restore the listed species to the point where it no longer requires the protections of the ESA.

The goal of this Recovery Plan is to increase the abundance and productivity of eulachon, and to protect and enhance the genetic, life history, and spatial diversity of eulachon throughout its geographical range while sufficiently abating threats to warrant delisting of the species. The objectives are:
1. Ensure subpopulation viability.
2. Conserve spatial structure and temporal distribution patterns.
3. Conserve existing genetic and life history diversity and provide opportunities for interchange of genetic material between and within subpopulations.
4. Eliminate or sufficiently reduce the severity of threats.