271 



NMFS has published an interim artificial propagation poUcy to 

 guide us in meeting ESA requirements. Our policy is designed to 

 define the role of hatcheries while maintaining and restoring listed 

 populations in their native ecosystems. Accordingly, our poUcy dis- 

 tinguishes between hatcheries used for conservation of fisted spe- 

 cies — ^the rebuilding process — and hatcheries used to produce salm- 

 on for harvest, as mitigation for habitat lost through land develop- 

 ment. 



NMFS is completing a review of the interim poHcy with the U.S. 

 Fish and Wildlue Service and tribes before any final decision is 

 made on the future of that poficy. 



Many hatchery issues can be resolved through careful selection 

 of release sites and other locations. We are prepared to work with 

 the tribes to identify those kinds of locations. 



In conclusion then, salmon restoration in the Columbia basin is 

 at a criticEd turning point. We either make the Strategy for Salmon 

 work or face additional ESA Ustings, litigation and gridlock. Crisis 

 management under ESA is not the answer. We believe the regional 

 entities can and are able to build a regional coaUtion around the 

 Strategy for Salmon to achieve salmon restoration in a timely man- 

 ner, FOEC has been suggested; there may be others. To do this, we 

 must not use science as an excuse, we must be willing to err on 

 the side of the fish in view of scientific imcertainty and avoid wait- 

 ing for results of prolonged studies before taking action. 



We must act with the best available science and improve as we 

 go forward. We must be willing to risk on the side of the fish. 



Mr. DeFazio. Thank you, that's a very good point. 



Mr. Van Pelt. 



[Prepared statement of Mr. Smith follows:] 



