Overview:  Like other members of Washington State's salmonid family, chum salmon populations have been in decline.  Unlike other members of the salmonid family, chum follow a few unique natural history characteristics.  First, chum spawn in the lowermost reaches of rivers and streams.  Secondly, they migrate towards salt water almost immediately after hatching, in contrast to other salmonids, which migrate to sea after months or even years in fresh water.  Lastly, this species has only a single, sea-run form, and does not live in fresh water.  Due to all of these unique characteristics, chum salmon require equally unique methods of restoration. According to NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service), there are four population groups or ESU (Evolutionary Species Units) within Washington State.  In March of 1998, the Hood Canal summer-run ESU and the Columbia River ESU were listed as Threatened under the ESA.  Return populations in the Columbia River are now estimated by NMFS to be between 1,500 and 4,000 fish in comparison to as many as 500,000 fish before 1944.  Although there are believed to be a number of complex causes to account for this type of decline, current restoration programs involving chum populations within Washington State have focussed primarily on hatcheries and habitat. By March 2000, NMFS will make a final critical habitat designation for these newly listed chum salmon ESU.  For more information on these populations check out the NMFS page @ http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/1salmon/salmesa/index.htm.