The "Top Tule Not Elsewhere Included" category refers to the commercial harvest of tule salmon, a specific run of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) distinguished by their early upstream migration and unique life history, primarily found in the lower Columbia River basin of the United States. Tule Chinook are known for their relatively lower fat content and darker flesh compared to other Chinook runs, making them less desirable for some markets but still significant for commercial and subsistence fisheries. The primary countries involved in harvesting tule salmon are the United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada, with the bulk of the catch coming from U.S. Pacific Northwest states such as Washington and Oregon. The fishing industry targeting tule Chinook is closely regulated to protect declining populations and ensure sustainable harvests, with management involving tribal, state, and federal agencies. The tule salmon fishery is an important cultural and economic resource for indigenous communities and local fishers, contributing to the region's fishing heritage and economy.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.