There are two reasons why lawsuits are filed. One is for monetary reasons. The other is to affect change.
This lawsuit is about change.
Just over a year ago I blogged about a petition that the Wild Fish Conservancy filed with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to grant federal Endangered Species Act protections for Alaska king salmon.
The NOAA had until 1/11/25 to respond and decide if Alaska king salmon should be classified as “threatened” or “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act.
The NOAA missed the one year deadline.
The Wild Fish Conservancy has now filed suit. It’s their position that the federal government has failed to fulfill their obligation to protect Alaska king salmon.
To this I say amen.
If you would like to read more than my summary, the following article provides additional details.
Hopefully, a court date will be set sooner than later (or the NOAA releases a decision).
If we wait, it might be too late…
2025 Kenai River King Salmon Forecast