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GENETIC ANALYSIS OF POLICIES AND GUIDELINES 



FOR SALMON AND STEELHEAD HATCHERY PRODUCTION 



IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN 



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 



Purpose 



This report presents a genetic analysis of existing agency policies, 

 guidelines, rules, or plans i related to hatchery production of salmon and 

 steelhead in the Columbia River Basin. Agencies covered in this analysis 

 include the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Idaho Department of Fish 

 and Game (IDFG), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), 

 Washington Department of Fisheries (WDF), and Washington Department of 

 Wildlife (WDW). 



Features of the Analysis 



Policies and guidelines were evaluated primarily for their effectiveness in 

 conserving genetic resources found in naturally reproducing stocks. 

 Evaluations were based on three related concerns: 



1. Improperly managed hatchery programs may alter the genetic 

 resources and life history patterns of hatchery stocks. 



2. For many hatchery programs, direct or indirect genetic interactions 

 between hatchery and naturally reproducing stocks are possible. 



3. Alterations of genetic resources and life history patterns of hatchery 

 stocks may threaten their fitness and the long-term perpetuation of 

 naturally reproducing stocks with which they genetically interact. 



1 For brevity in this report, "policy(ies)" refers to policies, rules, or plans; 

 "document(s)" refers to policies, rules, plans, or guidelines. 



