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it. The science reveals two central conclusions — that fish need 

 better, faster flows for recovery and that barging fish has not 

 led to t heir recovery. 



Like all information drawn from natural science, these 

 conclusions are subject to some degree of uncertainty. 

 Nevertheless, if we conduct another 20 years of study, there will 

 still be uncertainty and more studies to be done. 



We are studying the fish to death, using good intentions and 

 the need for absolutely conclusive science as cover to avoid the 

 difficult decisions fishery agencies and tribes have been urging 

 on us for a decade and a half. Like the tobacco industry 

 claiming that there is no scientific proof linking smoking and 

 lung cancer, the dam operators and their supporters claim we have 

 insufficient scientific proof that fish need improved river 

 flows. 



By their measure, we will have proof the fish are extinct 

 before we have proof they need better river flows. We are 

 charting a terrible path for the region and for the fish. 



Given the dire conditions of our fish nans, it is 

 scientifically, biologically, politically, and legally 

 irresponsible to further delay actions to recover the salmon. 

 The risk of inaction, in very short order, is extinction. 



