FCRPS: ESA-Related Activities

Overview

The Bureau of Reclamation manages many water projects in the Columbia River basin and has been designated an action agency, along with the Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. As directed in the ESA, these action agencies have consulted with NMFS on the management of the Federal Columbia River Power System. NMFS issued Biological Opinions in 1994 and 1995 which direct the action agencies to conduct studies, alter operations, modify structures, provide supplemental water to assist migrating fish, and participate in the recovery activities. more>>

Columbia/Snake River Salmon and Steelhead

The Columbia and Snake Rivers once had enormous runs of salmon and steelhead. These fish are classified as anadromous — a term for fish that start their life cycle in rivers and streams, migrate to the ocean, and then return as adults to lay eggs or spawn.

Over the past century salmon have dwindled in numbers to the point that most runs are now protected by the Endangered Species Act. Recovery of the listed species is overseen by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The causes for the decline include overharvest, dams blocking access to significant portions of the basin, alteration of spawning habitat, pollution, predators, hydroelectric dams impeding the migration of the fish, and genetic interference by weak strains of introduced hatchery fish.

In addition to work at its own facilities, Reclamation has been participating with the Bonneville Power Administration and the Northwest Power Planning Council in a program to update irrigation diversion screens at various locations within the basin. These screens have greatly improved the ability for migrating juvenile salmon to survive their long journey to the ocean.

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Last Update: September 14, 2007 4:14 PM