Agency won't back Columbia River dam removal

The National Marine Fisheries Service issued two biological opinions on Wednesday in a long-running dispute over salmon in the Columbia River basin.

The agency said the opinions were the result of "two-year collaboration with states and tribes." Biologists, however, endorsed the continued operation of dams in the basin whereas tribes want the dams removed.

Prior opinions were struck down by the courts for not fully addressing the impact of the dams' operation on salmon.

Get the Story:
Biologists for Agency Endorse Dams Plan (The New York Times 11/1)
pwnyt

Relevant Documents:
Press Release: NOAA Fisheries Service Announces Actions to Mitigate Effects of Hydropower System, Recover Salmon Stocks (October 31, 2007)

Relevant Links:
Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission - http://www.critfc.org

Related Stories:
Court rejects Bush salmon plan on Columbia River (4/10)
Tribes mark 50 years after loss of Celilo Falls (03/12)
9th Circuit saves salmon center from Republican rider (01/30)
Editorial: Refreshing deal with Yakama Nation (08/18)
Yakama Nation signs salmon protection agreement (08/15)
Yakama Nation seeks compensation for salmon (07/04)
Judge orders new plan for salmon on Snake River (05/24)
Idaho senator kills salmon counting center (11/30)
Idaho senator inserts rider to kill salmon counting (06/24)
Judge orders Bush to reconsider salmon plan (05/27)
Columbia River tribes forced to shut down fishery (05/11)
Mark Trahant: Few salmon left for tribal ceremonies (04/25)
Tribe seeks higher standard on Columbia River (04/21)
Yakama Nation agrees to dam conservation plans (03/31)
Report backs tribe in Columbia River pollution claim (03/08)
Bush administration to reduce protections for salmon (12/01)
Warm Springs Tribes criticize shift on dam breaching (09/10)
Federal agencies change minds on removal of dams (09/01)
Nez Perce Tribe calls for protection of salmon (08/13)
Judge sides with tribes on proposed water spill (07/29)