September 2005
Findings on plummeting salmon populations at 8th World Wilderness Congress
First congress in United States since 1987 begins this month
September 1, 2005 (Washington, DC) – Close to 25 percent of all Pacific salmon species studied are at risk of extinction, according to the Atlas of the Pacific Salmon, released by State of the Salmon, a joint project between The Wild Salmon Center and Ecotrust.
The study represents the first map-based measurement of the condition of North Pacific salmon through their entire lifespan.
The book's findings show that Pacific salmon appear to be headed in the same direction as their Atlantic counterparts. Half of all wild Atlantic salmon stocks are either extinct or in great decline. But although biologists, fishery managers and conservationists know a fair amount about the reasons for the decline in Atlantic salmon, they lack similar information for Pacific salmon.
"We know we are losing Pacific salmon species at an alarming rate, but we've been driving blind in our efforts to save them," said Dr. Xanthippe Augerot, co-director of State of the Salmon. "The Atlas will help remedy the chronic lack of information that's been hampering our efforts."
The conclusions published in the Atlas are the result of ten years of research undertaken by Dr. Augerot and her colleagues. The book proposes four approaches to solving these large-scale challenges: an international monitoring system; more effective fisheries management; increased conservation efforts; and improved partnerships to protect salmon throughout the entire Pacific Rim.
The Atlas also details threats to salmon populations, which include climate change, water diversions for hydro and agriculture needs, and habitat loss.
On Wednesday, October 8, Dr. Augerot will moderate a session at the World Wilderness Congress with five of the world's leaders on Pacific salmon conservation. Reporters are welcome to attend.
ABOUT THE CONGRESS:
The 8th World Wilderness Congress (WWC) will be held from September 30 – October 6, 2005 at the Egan Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska,
The Congress is expected to attract more than 1,000 experts from 55 countries, including numerous high-profile and senior-level political and corporate speakers.
Confirmed speakers include: leaders and representatives of indigenous and tribal communities from close to 30 nations on six continents; David Rockefeller Jr.; Governor Walter Hickel; Len Good, CEO, The Global Environmental Facility; Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Minister of Environment, Costa Rica; David Quammen, author; Grand Chief Herb Norwegian, Deh Cho Nation, Canada; Dr. Michael Fay, Wildlife Conservation Society; Dale Bosworth, Chief, USDA Forest Service; Dr. Willem van Reit, President, Peace Parks Foundation, South Africa; Bittu Sahgal, President, Sanctuary Asia; and Dr. Sylvia Earle, Executive Director, Marine Conservation, Conservation International.
The theme for the 8th WWC is Wilderness, Wildlands and People: A Partnership for the Planet. It will generate the most up-to-date and accurate information on the benefits of wilderness and wildlands to contemporary and traditional societies, and will review the best models for balancing wilderness and wildlands conservation with human needs.
The Congress, founded in 1977, was the first international environmental gathering to include indigenous people and always focuses on wilderness and people.
The Congress has already issued four news releases detailing expected news highlights, available at http://www.8wwc.org/press.htm.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR JOURNALISTS:
Journalists interested in registering for the Congress should send an e-mail to [email protected]. More information about the Congress is available at www.8wwc.org.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, JOURNALISTS MAY CONTACT BRAD PHILLIPS AT [email protected] or 202-776-0640.
AFTER SEPTEMBER 15, JOURNALISTS MAY CONTACT KATHY DAY AT [email protected] or (907) 868-4884.