458 



This question is premature. There is no credible, scientific information currently available that proves 

 what water levels salmon require for their migration through the Columbia River system. This is the first 

 question that must be answered. Once we know this, we can determine how that level of water can be 

 provided. 



4. Are existing institutions and institution4il arrangements at the state and federal level adequate 

 to implement salmon recovery plans? What improvements can be made? 



PNUCC believes that the existing fishery management system does not work to the benefit of weak wild 

 stocks of fish. However, we believe that weak stocks can be recovered within the existing structure of 

 agencies and institutions, with a few changes. 



PNUCC suggests that Congress recommend that the federal and state agencies and Indian tribes establish 

 a coordinating body responsible for assuring that their efforts are coordinated and are consistent with 

 regional goals and objectives for salmon recovery. The coordination group must also be accountable for 

 assuring that their actions produce results. 



PNUCC suggests that a Columbia River Ecosystem Approach be developed and adopted that: 



Defines goals and objectives. 



Includes a salmon recovery plan that takes a "gravel-to-gravel approach" and addresses 

 the impacts of all the "4 H's" - habitat, harvest, hatcheries, and hydropower. 



PNUCC September 21. 1993 



