The Coalition of Coastal Fisheries has awarded Congressman Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, the 2019 “Salmon Champion Award” for his efforts to protect salmon populations in the Northwest.

“Salmon are absolutely critical to our way of life across the Pacific Northwest — they’re woven into the very fabric of our communities, and our economies,” Kilmer said. “We’ve still got work to do to protect this iconic species, but I’m proud of the progress we’re making together.”

“A healthy, abundant salmon resource is the economic foundation for many coastal and rural communities,” said Dale Beasley, President of the Coalition of Coastal Fisheries and the Columbia River Crab Fishermen’s Association. “Increasing salmon production helps sustainability of the Orca whale and the ability for fish dependent communities to not just survive, but to actually thrive. Derek’s been a champion for salmon and for local jobs, and we’re grateful for his partnership.”

“Salmon are the lifeblood of our region and we have to work together to find new ways to save them,” said Butch Smith, a third-generation salmon and sturgeon fishing charter captain and Port of Ilwaco Commissioner.

This year, as a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Kilmer helped secure $30 million to implement the newly ratified Pacific Salmon Treaty, which provides a framework for the United States and Canada to cooperatively manage Pacific salmon stocks and another $25 million to enable federal agencies to work with Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to establish and operate a series of hatcheries and fish passage facilities to improve declining salmon runs in the Columbia River System.

Kilmer also helped get a $5 million increase in the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which provides grants to state, local, and tribal governments to implement projects that protect jobs and local economies by improving water quality, enhancing fish passage, increasing salmon habitat, and protecting shorelines.