The Makah Tribe has been allocated nearly $5.5 million in federal disaster assistance for salmon fishery losses, including four years when low sockeye returns prevented fishing.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the funding Oct. 22 as part of a $15.8 million disaster relief package covering previously declared fishery disasters affecting the Washington tribe and the states of California and Florida. Congress provided the money through the American Relief Act of 2025.
The Makah Tribe’s allocation includes about $4.4 million for its ocean treaty troll fishery in 2020 and 2021 and about $1.1 million total for Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery disasters declared for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
In its disaster assistance request, the tribe said low returns prevented Fraser sockeye fisheries in all four years. It described declining runs affected by poor ocean conditions, competition for prey and landslides obstructing fish passage.
The tribe said the lost fishing opportunities reduced fishermen’s income and deprived community members of salmon used for subsistence and ceremonies.
The tribe must still apply to receive the allocated funds. In a statement, NOAA Fisheries said recipients will have 120 days to submit grant applications after the agency issues funding opportunity letters.
