Salmon, of course, is an iconic fish of the Pacific Northwest. White said their retail business at the Portland State University Farmer’s Market is “a gem” for people in downtown to “come and show their respect and support and to eat some good salmon, to eat the best salmon.”

Environmental groups claim that the National Marine Fisheries Service delayed deciding on the salmon’s protections for over two years, increasing their risk of extinction.

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, four nonprofits allege the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to meet deadlines on protections for the fish.

The center says the National Marine Fisheries Service has failed to make a timely decision on protecting the salmon under the Endangered Species Act.