Steelhead and salmon distinct population segments

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency groups steelhead and salmon into distinct population segments. There are currently 15 Distinct population segments (DPS) for steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 31 Evolutionary significant units (ESU) for five species of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus. The boundaries of these areas are used to determine whether specific populations of a species should be designated threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.