This indicator evaluates the abundance and trend of the 32 steelhead populations by measuring the number of natural-origin adult fish on the spawning grounds of three Puget Sound regions. Abundance estimates here do not include hatchery-origin fish or steelhead taken in harvest or by predators like orcas. The indicator is intended to reflect the goal of achieving wild population recovery of Puget Sound steelhead, which are federally listed as threatened.

• There is no sign of recovery of Puget Sound steelhead populations in any biogeographic region. However, no populations have decreased significantly in abundance since steelhead were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2007 (i.e., the credibility intervals for all populations overlap with zero in the percent change figure). Therefore, our conclusion about progress of the populations of Puget Sound steelhead is “No Trend.”
• All Puget Sound steelhead populations are currently well below their recovery planning targets adopted by NOAA Fisheries (see the indicator map). Most populations remain between zero and 15% of their planning targets. However, the recent 5-year abundance geomean for Elwha and Skagit river steelhead is at 49% and 30%, respectively, of their low productivity planning target for abundance.