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Fish Scientists Cite Snake River Dams as Threat to Fisheries by Rich Landers Spokesman-Review, June 30, 2011

FISHERIES -- The Western Division of American Fisheries Society says four lower Snake River dams and reservoirs present a significant threat to existence of wild fish.

The group approved a resolution making that point Wednesday during its meeting in Portland.

Read the full text of the resolution.

The group says that based on the best available science, the dams threatened fish populations including wild salmon and steelhead, as well as Pacific lamprey and white sturgeon.

Saving and restoring these imperiled species will require returning a significant portion of the lower Snake River to a free-flowing condition by breaching the four lower Snake River dams, the resolution says.

A federal judge is expected to issue a verdict on the Obama Administration's salmon plan any day.

The resolution passed with 86.4% approval.

"This resolution simply tells it like it is from the science perspective: if we want to save Snake River salmon as habitats warm, we have to remove the four lower Snake River dams," said Don Chapman, fisheries biologist, former fisheries professor, and consultant to industry, Native Americans, and management agencies.

"WDAFS did a great job applying the best available science to a tough issue. Let's hope these scientists' call for a hard look at removal of the four lower Snake River dams is heeded by this administration," said Doug DeHart, former Fisheries Chief at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and fisheries biologist.

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