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47 



conclusions aboid the results of this program. Existing information indicates 

 that the exploitation rates in both 1991 and 1992 were about 12 percent 

 system-wide, ranging from to 20 percent on a reservoir-by-reservoir basis. 

 This is within the range of exploitation on which the research hypothesis is 

 based. The hypothesis is that a sustained annual exploitation of 10 to 20 

 percent of squawfish may reduce predation naortality by SO percent or more 

 within 10 years. 



We are making efforts to increase harvest of squawfish to ensure timdy 

 evaluation. 



Question 9: Please describe the so called "lease back/buy back' fish program. How much 



will this program cost in FY 1994? 



Answer: The leaseback/buyback program is a Coundl measure caUing for payments to 



the commercial fisherman in lieu of their harvest income. Estimated cost of 

 this program could be as high as $6 million. Since the program is experimental 

 in nature, the payment would be one-time to cover a 2-year period. BPA 

 began negotiating in 1992 with all concerned parties. To date, no agreement 

 has been reached with the parties. 



