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Columbia and Snake River salmon stocks because of concern 

 over their declining numbers; 



Inriver fisheries were closed and other fisheries were being 

 curtailed because of declining salmon runs; 



Fishery agencies and tribes and their supporters were 

 recommending specific flows to speed juvenile fish migration 

 to the ocean; 



Dam operators and their supporters were urging more studies 

 and use of barging for fish passage instead of flow 

 improvements . 



The Northwest Power Act of 1980 was a commendable effori: to 

 break the gridlock and get salmon recovery xinderway. The Act 

 states that Columbia Basin salmon are "of significant importance 

 to the social and economic well-being of the Pacific Northwest 

 and the Nation" and so directs their "protection, mitigation, and 

 enhancement . " 



The primary focus of the Act was the dams, because salmon 

 "are dependent on suitable environmental conditions substantially 

 obtainable from the management and operation of the Federal 



