USFWS Launches Salmon Hatchery Review
WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Pacific Region Fisheries Program is beginning a three-year review of the Columbia River Basin salmon hatcheries it owns and operates. The review will include at least 10 hatcheries and may expand to encompass additional state-operated hatcheries in the Snake River Basin.
"Our goal is to ensure that our hatcheries are operated on the best scientific principles and contribute to sustainable fisheries and the recovery of naturally spawning populations of salmon," says Dan Diggs, assistant regional director of the regional fisheries program.
A hatchery review team in the Columbia River Basin, comprised of USFWS and other federal scientists, will review briefing materials, conduct field tours and meet with hatchery managers, co-managers and stakeholders to get a clear understanding of the goals for and status of each wild and hatchery stock, its associated habitat and management strategies. The team will then apply the scientific framework and hatchery review tools developed during the western Washington review to create reform recommendations for each hatchery program.
The team hopes to establish the scientific foundations for National Fish Hatcheries and cooperative programs, conserve salmon genetic resources, assist with the recovery of naturally spawning populations, provide for sustainable fisheries, conduct research and improve quality and cost effectiveness of hatchery programs.
Ongoing management processes including the U.S. vs. Oregon proceeding, the protection and mitigation activities of the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council (NWPCC) and the Endangered Species Act processes of NOAA Fisheries will continue to be enforced.
The review will begin in early October with the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery on the Warm Springs River.
08-18-2005, 02:46 PM
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