The Coalition of Coastal Fisheries recently awarded U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) the 2019 “Salmon Champion Award” for his efforts to protect salmon populations in Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by this tremendous coalition for my ongoing work to protect and conserve salmon in our region,” said Kilmer, who represents the 6th Congressional District. The district includes the North Olympic Peninsula.

“Salmon are absolutely critical to our way of life across the Pacific Northwest — they’re woven into the very fabric of our communities, and our economies,” he continued.

“We’ve still got work to do to protect this iconic species, but I’m proud of the progress we’re making together. I’ll keep fighting for the future of our salmon.”

This year, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Kilmer secured $30 million to implement the newly ratified Pacific Salmon Treaty, which provides a framework for the United States and Canada to cooperatively manage Pacific salmon stocks, his office said.

He also secured $25 million to support Mitchell Act hatchery activities in the fiscal year 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill, secured a $5 million increase in the Puget Sound Geographic Program though the FY 2020 Interior Appropriations Bill, and helped secure a $100,000 increase over the FY 2019 enacted level for the Puget Sound National Estuary Program, his office said.