View of a typical Pacific Northwest river and its surrounding watershed - a healthy watershed is vital to the recovery of endangered species.

The Watershed Program conducts research on the ecology and management of freshwater and estuarine ecosystems to assist with the protection of salmon and other fishes. Program scientists provide technical support to NOAA Fisheries policy makers and regulatory staff, and collaborate with other agencies, tribes, and educational institutions on research and outreach related to the management of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.).

The Watershed Program has three teams that focus on three primary research themes:

1. Quantifying the effects of natural or human disturbance on watersheds, habitat conditions, and biota (Ecosystem Processes);
2. Evaluating the effectiveness of various habitat and watershed restoration strategies or techniques (Restoration Effectiveness); and
3. Quantifying effects of landscape condition and non-indigenous species on water quality, habitat structure, and communities (Landscape Ecology and Recovery Science)

Research in all of the above areas relates to recovery planning for ESA listed species of Pacific salmon and steelhead.

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