Relationships are at the center of our recovery efforts. Salmon recovery is complex, and we work with partners to connect Tribal, local, regional, state, and federal efforts to collaboratively develop and implement priority actions needed to accelerate ecosystem recovery. To achieve this, we work with partners to:

• Remove funding and policy barriers
• Develop policy that advances salmon recovery
• Pursue and provide funding to accelerate restoration and protection efforts
• Support science and adaptive management using a knowledge-driven approach.

Key Partners

Federally Recognized Tribes

Federally recognized Tribes play an essential role in advancing regional salmon recovery efforts and overall ecosystem health. Tribes are key knowledge holders and inform management practices through their cultural and traditional knowledge systems that have been built over millennia, as well as through Western scientific research led by their natural resource departments. Treaty Tribes are co-managers of salmon and implement hundreds of salmon recovery projects.

Federal Agencies

Federal agencies are leaders and partners in advancing scientific understanding of complex issues affecting salmon recovery and have a regulatory responsibility to protect species and clean water (for example, the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act) from the freshwater to the marine environment, as well as provide funding opportunities.

State Agencies

State agencies play an important role in salmon recovery through policies and regulations, programs and projects, and funding opportunities. They oversee programs and projects that lead to direct action regarding restoration and protection of Puget Sound by using the best available science, guidance, and technical assistance. State agencies run grant programs that fund projects to advance protection and restoration work.

Local Governments

Local governments play a key role in the implementation and enforcement of state programs, policies, and regulations that impact regional salmon recovery efforts. Local governments implement decisions that can lead to habitat impacts, such as water use, zoning, and land use. Through comprehensive planning and permitting, enacting the Growth Management Act and Shoreline Management Act, local governments can dictate and influence the amount, type, and location of development within their jurisdictions. Their support for programs such as urban forestry, water conservation, invasive species management, and energy efficiency have a significant impact on local communities.

Watershed Partners

A wide range of local partners work together to restore, protect, and advocate for salmon recovery. Local partners bring local expertise, creativity, and perseverance to problem solve in collaborative ways as they implement projects. They include:

• Lead entities,
• Local integrating organizations,
• Non-profit organizations,
• Regional fisheries enhancement groups,
• Landowners, and
• Business and agricultural entities.

Puget Sound Partnership Boards

• The Leadership Council - A seven-member panel appointed by the Governor that makes decisions relating to salmon recovery and the implementation of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan.
• Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council - Advises the Leadership Council on decisions relating to salmon recovery and the implementation of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan.

Last updated: 12/05/25