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Opposition to Dam Breaching for Salmon Recovery by Terence West EnergyPortal.eu, August 15, 2023

The federal government has thus far maintained
that the Lower Snake dams should remain in place.

Opponents of breaching the four lower Snake River dams argue against removing the structures, claiming that they are not the primary cause of declining salmon and steelhead populations. The Citizens for the Preservation of Fish and Dams will host a symposium to present their case and educate attendees on the complexities of the fish and dams debate. The symposium will feature speakers such as retired Army Corps of Engineers fisheries biologist John McKern, fishing outfitter Rusty Bentz, and Jerry McGehee, a retired Idaho Fish and Game hatchery manager.

The debate centers around the four species of wild anadromous fish that inhabit the Snake River and its tributaries, which have been protected under the Endangered Species Act for approximately 30 years. While multiple factors contribute to the decline of these fish, scientists attribute a significant portion of the problem to the dams. Proponents of dam breaching argue that removing the obstacles is necessary for the recovery of salmon populations.

The federal government, however, maintains that the dams should remain in place. They propose alternative actions, including habitat restoration, spilling water at the dams, predator control, and hatchery reform, to address the issue without breaching the dams. This plan has faced opposition from various groups, such as the Nez Perce Tribe, fishing and conservation groups, and the state of Oregon, who have successfully challenged similar proposals in court.

Mediation between the concerned parties is currently ongoing and expected to conclude soon. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has shown an increased interest in dam breaching. NOAA fisheries stated in the previous year that wild Snake River salmon and steelhead cannot recover to sustainable levels as long as the dams remain. The American Fisheries Society also supports dam breaching as the best option for salmon and steelhead recovery.

On the other hand, the Citizens for the Preservation of Fish and Dams argue for the effectiveness of alternative measures. They propose increasing the rate of barging juvenile fish past the dams and contest the notion that spilling water at the dams benefits young fish. They also point to the significant increase in returns of adult hatchery fish released over the years as evidence that the dams are not the main issue.

Breaching the dams, as proposed by Rep. Mike Simpson, would be accompanied by a $33.5 billion investment to mitigate the impact on affected communities and industries. Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Senator Patty Murray support dam breaching but acknowledge that alternative power sources and transportation methods must be established before it can be implemented.

A recent report by the Inland Ports and Navigation Group highlights the potential negative consequences of dam breaching on farmers and the regional economy. The report suggests that numerous farms in north central Idaho and southeastern Washington may face bankruptcy without the dams. The group argues that the dams provide essential benefits beyond power, such as irrigation, barging, job creation, support for public services, emission reduction, and environmental improvements.

The symposium organized by the Citizens for the Preservation of Fish and Dams will provide a platform to discuss these issues and present alternative perspectives. More details about the symposium can be found on their website.