Overview:  Sockeye salmon populations within Washington State have declined rapidly and in some locations extinction of this species has occurred.  Due to its unique fresh water residency (one to three years in fresh water) and because it contains several different forms (fish that migrate to salt water and back, fish that remain in fresh water, and fish that do both) Sockeye is considered to be one of the most complex species of any Pacific Salmon.  Also, Sockeye is the only Pacific Salmon species that depends on lakes for spawning and nursery habitat.  Recently, three sockeye populations or ESU (Evolutionary Significant Units) within Washington State have been identified and evaluated by NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service).  From these studies, the Snake River ESU was listed in 1991 as Endangered and continues to be protected under the ESA.  The Ozette Lake population was listed as Threatened in March of 1998. The Baker Lake ESU was determined to no longer need ESA protection and was delisted from its status as a candidate species.  Currently, it is estimated by NMFS that an average of 600 fish have returned annually to Ozette Lake over the last five years.  This is a severe decline when compared to annual returns, which are estimated to be between 2,000 and 20,000 fish between 1926 and 1949.  By March 2000, NMFS will make a final critical habitat designation for these listed sockeye salmon ESU. For more information on these populations check out the NMFS page @ http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/1salmon/salmesa/index.htm.