The push to restore the populations of Puget Sound steelhead, an iconic species for Washington and its anglers, has seen a multi-year effort termed the Quicksilver Portfolio. According to a recent report published by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, progress is being made to implement these strategies designed to bring the steelhead numbers back from the brink.
The Quicksilver Portfolio was forged out of necessity, with wild Puget Sound steelhead returns dwindling to an alarming 5–10% of their historical levels, prompting their listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2007. Since its inception, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and stakeholders have worked to not only address the challenges these fish face but also to ensure that the tradition of "steelheading" can continue for future generations. Efforts have begun to truly, and significantly, move forward in this cause with the portfolio now in action.
Funding plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, and in that regard, the Washington State Legislature has been stepping up. For the 2021–23 biennium, the legislature allocated $1.68 million specifically for the Quicksilver Proviso, which was provided on a onetime basis to kickstart the portfolio's recommendations. Successive legislative sessions have since provided additional funds, including a $3.8 million grant through the 2022 Supplemental Budget.
The Quicksilver Portfolio has been to clearly set underway a number of proactive measures. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife report, projects have included increased monitoring of wild steelhead in several key watersheds and the initiation of a new wild summer steelhead broodstock program. These actions are hoped to provide a clearer picture of the current state of steelhead populations and actively contribute to their recovery.
