Inside Climate News: Lawsuit Asserting the ‘Rights of Salmon’ Ends in a Settlement that Benefits the Fish

May 6th, 2023

In an accord with an Indian tribe, the city of Seattle agrees to create passageways so salmon can swim upriver past three hydroelectric dams.

Katie Surma reports on the Sauk-Suiattle case to protect the rights of salmon:

“An April 21st hearing was to take place before the Sauk-Suiattle tribal appellate court over whether the panel had jurisdiction over the city of Seattle. However, the lawsuit filed by the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe asserting the “rights of salmon” has been settled, with the city of Seattle agreeing to provide passageways for the fish around hydroelectric dams on the Skagit River. It was dubbed the “rights of salmon” case because it sought a declaration by the city that the fish “possess inherent rights to exist, flourish, regenerate and evolve, as well as inherent rights to restoration, recovery, and preservation.””

“This lawsuit is part of at least three enforcement cases in the United States focused on responding to threats to wild animals, plants, and aquatic ecosystems like rivers and lakes.” Mari Margil, executive director of the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, shares:

“We hope that this is the first of many rights of nature cases that result in real, practical steps towards protecting the rights of ecosystems and species.”

To read the full article by Katie Surma, please visit here.