97 



seeps. In the first step, NMFS will consider each action 

 individually with respect to reductions in mortality from a 

 specified base period. In the second step, NMFS will evaluate 

 the combined effects of all actions using the available 

 Columbia/Snake River salmon life cycle models. 



r^ase Period Analysis Criterion 



The first step of the analysis for spring/summer and fall cninook 

 salmon will be similar to that used in 1992. In evaluating a 

 proposed action and alternatives, NMFS will consider whether or 

 not there have been adequate reductions in mortality for each 

 action relative to that of the 1986-1990 base period.- The base 

 period represents the most recent series of years prior to 

 consideration of the species for listing and implementation of 

 the initial actions in 1991 designed to improve the status of the 

 stocks. The period is long enough to encompass a full life cycle 

 and includes a recent series of years subject to relatively 

 consistent management practices. The base period selected is 

 also consistent with that used during most of the 1992 

 consultations. The 1986-1990 base period provides the starting 

 point for the base period analysis, but is not intended to be 

 used to the exclusion of other pertinent information. For 

 example, additional base periods may be considered for a 

 particular action if it can be demonstrated that they better 

 represent a recent series of years managed on a consistent basis 

 prior to listing and implementation of actions designed to 

 improve the status of the listed species. 



In determining whether a proposed action or alternatives 

 provide (s) reductions that are adequate, NMFS would consider the 

 best available scientific information and data, including, among 

 other things: scientific literature for the listed species and 

 related stocks and on the impacts of the proposed action en 

 listed species including quantitative mortality data; the 

 relative contribution of the action to current mortality and 

 overall decline of the species; the availability of measures 

 judged to be effective in reducing mortality; and recommendations 

 for methods of reducing mortality previously developed by NMFS 

 and other interested parties. 



Ideally, scientific information would be sufficiently developed 

 that NMFS could pinpoint and quantify all the human- induced 



: Certain actions that result in only minimal impacts to 

 listed species, such as scientific research (in some cases), are 

 not identified as factors contributing to the decline of listed 

 salmon or as impeding recovery. Therefore, these actions will 

 not be subject to base period analysis, but will be required to 

 take measures to minimize impacts oh listed species. 



