79 



agencies are fulfilling their obligations under the Northwest Power 

 Act. 



Regarding the Council, some in the region have suggested that 

 our role in watershed planning and poUcy development should be 

 expanded, along with our role in setting poUcy for river operations. 

 We have not ta^en a position, but we believe these concepts should 

 be explored further^ 



There is no doubt that congressional oversight of implementation 

 played a major role in our regional successes so far. We welcome 

 this task force's oversight of our activities, of federal agencies and 

 others to implement our Strategy for Salmon. We will keep Con- 

 gress informed about implementation through monthly reports. 



There is some good news to report. Last month the Directors of 

 the Washington Department of Fisheries and the Oregon Depart- 

 ment of Fish and Wildlife reported that Snake River salmon runs 

 appear to be rebuilding. The Directors reported that they have 

 been able to reduce harvests to levels below those csilled for in the 

 Strategy for Salmon. Together the Council and the agencies that 

 implement our program appear to be having a positive impact on 

 salmon survival. 



Through cooperative efforts, river conditions for salmon were im- 

 proved in the recent drought years. Fish harvest was reduced, 

 water was stored and then delivered to enhance fish migration, 

 new or improved bypass and collection facilities are being installed 

 at the major dams, water diversions are being screened in areas 

 where depleted wild salmon runs spawn. 



Despite this optimism, however, there are concerns about our 

 strategy. I have already expressed the Council's concern about frag- 

 mented implementation. I would like to briefly address another 

 concern. 



Some measures in the strategy are based on science that is con- 

 tinuing to develop. While this has been a source of controversy, we 

 recognize that the region cannot expect perfect knowledge before 

 taking action. We must act on the basis of the best scientific infor- 

 mation available. The Coimcil will bring together an independent 

 panel of scientists to evaluate the strategy and also to advise us 

 on critical areas of uncertainty. This scientific review panel will 

 identify and revise our time keyed to uncertainties associated with 

 our progr£im measures. Meanwhile, the Council will continue to 

 work in partnership with State, tribal and Federal governments, 

 and we are committed to rebuilding objectives that protect and en- 

 hance weak stocks while meeting harvest objectives. 



In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, the Council is committed to seeing 

 the Columbia River basin fish/wildUfe program implemented — edl of 

 it. We are committed to working with Bonneville, state and federal 

 fish and wildlife agencies, Columbia basin Indian tribes and others 

 to see the work gets done and that the region continues to msJie 

 progress on improving survival. 



Now we would be nappy to answer any questions that you may 

 have. 



[Prepared statement of Mr. Grace and attachments follow:] 



