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We are concerned that these special tnist responsibilities and Northwest Power Act 

 obligations are not eclipsed in the process of complying with the Endangered Species Act. 

 The region is committed to a constructive and resp«;tfiil relationship with the tribes. Over 

 the past decades. Indian tribes and other fish harvesters have given up harvest on species 

 after species, and we have yet to reverse this disturbing trend. 



Boosting hatchery production may return more fish to tribal waters, but the increase in 

 hatchery fish may harm wild runs in those same waters through increased competition among 

 juvenile fish and increased harvest of adult fish. We have turned to the National Marine 

 Fisheries Service for guidance on this question, and othei3, but the Service has been slow to 

 respond We need a dedicated effort to resolve issues that exacerbate conflicts between 

 tribal rights and Endangered Species Act protection. It behooves the federal agencies to 

 acknowledge their special obligations and to consider them carefully while implementing the 

 Endangered Species Act and the Northwest Power Act. 



Further, all federal agencies must respect the govemment-to-govemment relationship 

 with Indian tribes. The Council, representing the Northwest states, repeatedly has 

 recognized this relationship, conducting our tribal consultations in a spirit of respect for these 

 sovereign nations. However, relations between the United States and tribal governments 

 have been strained recently; we know that extra care is needed in order to continue a 

 respectful relationship with the tribes. 



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

 River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program is implemented — all of it. We are committed to 

 working with Bonneville, state and federal fish and wildlife agencies, Columbia Basin Indian 

 tribes and others to see that the work gets done and that the region continues to make 

 progress on improving salmon survival. 



Thank you again for the opportimity to testify here today. 



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