The Northwest Region’s principal responsibility is implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Pacific salmonids (salmon and steelhead), and recovering populations of those listed fish. Over the years the regional office and Northwest Fisheries Science Center have prepared various documents to assist them in making ESA listing determinations and other decisions. Some policies have been coordinated with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which has ESA responsibilities for resident fishes. Many of these documents are provided for information and reference through the links on the left of this page.