This indicator evaluates the abundance and trend of the 2 Hood Canal summer-run chum salmon populations by measuring the number of natural-origin adult fish on the spawning grounds. Abundance estimates here do not include hatchery-origin fish or fish taken in harvest or by predators like orcas. The indicator is intended to reflect the goal of achieving wild population recovery of Hood Canal summer chum, which are federally listed as threatened.

• The abundance of both populations of Hood Canal summer chum salmon has increased since they were listed as threatened under the ESA in 1999. Therefore, our conclusion about progress of the Hood Canal summer chum populations is “getting better.”

• The recent 5-year abundance geomean for the Hood Canal summer chum population is 73% of the low productivity recovery planning targets for abundance adopted by NOAA Fisheries. The Strait of Juan de Fuca summer chum population is 99% of the low productivity target. Given the recent population abundance trends, both populations are expected to be at or above their targets soon.