213 



(p.6,Q9) 



Please describe the so called "lease back/buy back" fish program. How 



much will this program cost in FY 1994? 



This proposal is apparently dead for this year due to a failure to ensure 

 the fish not harvested in the lower river would pass through tribal 

 fishing areas . There are pros and cons to the concept. Basically, the best, 

 if not only, way in near term to make additional adults available for 

 spawning is to stop or reduce the harvest. The concept is that BPA would 

 pay for adults through this program and be compensated by NMFS in terms 

 of river operation (giving credit for fish). It is expensive per fish, but 

 compared to the cost and uncertain benefit of changes in river operations, it 

 may be cost-effective. The program is designed to increase the number of 

 listed wild adult Snake River salmon, but would likely help other runs as 

 well. 



-9 



