The U.S. state of California has announced USD 10 million (EUR 8.4 million) in funding for salmon recovery projects as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to support the species’ growth.
“These investments are another step forward to help California salmon,” California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said in a release. “The projects we’re funding will improve the health of creeks and rivers across the state, which will help salmon survive through climate change and benefit all who depend on healthy salmon fisheries. I’m proud of this progress, with much more work ahead.”
The funding was issued through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP), which utilizes money provided by the federal Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, as well as funds authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
CDFW received 53 proposals for funding in the 2025 FRGP, representing a total funding request of more that USD 49 million (EUR 41 million). Ultimately, 16 projects were selected following technical review, splitting more than USD 10 million between them. Selected projects will help remove fish passage barriers, restore fish habitat, and support fish monitoring efforts.
CDFW noted that the FRGP projects will support the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, a guide introduced by California Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2024 to coordinate state efforts to help West Coast salmon recover. Salmon populations have struggled in California, with federal regulators canceling the state’s commercial salmon season for the last three years.
“These projects are implementing Salmon Strategy actions in real time. From restoring thousands of acres of habitat to improving migration pathways, advancing science-based flow management, and using cutting-edge technology, actions taken from the Salmon Strategy work,” CDFW Acting Director Valerie Termini said in a release. “We continue to see salmon and steelhead return to many California rivers and streams where they have not been seen in decades.”
The state is accepting proposals for 2026 FRGP grants through 2 March 2026.
