119 



The migration takes them out of local jurisdiction and exposes 

 them to fisheries and predators in California Oregon, Washington, 

 Alaska, Canada, and the high seas. 



No single factor, but a multitude of fisheries management and 

 environmental factors affect the abundance and health of these 

 fish. 



Industrial and urban development and associated increases in 

 human population have contributed to the decline of salmonid pop- 

 ulations in the Pacific Northwest. It is unrealistic to expect the 

 same number of fish in 1990s as occurred in 1890. 



Of all factors considered, fishing is the most responsible for di- 

 rect and indirect fish mortality. 



While salmonid populations have been decreasing, populations of 

 some major predator species of marine mammals and sea birds, 

 which are protected by federal laws, have been increasing. West 

 Coast populations of harbor seals and California sea lions has been 

 increasing between 4 and 12 percent per year. 



The most productive habitats for fish rearing occur in the flood 

 plains and estuaries of rivers. These areas have long been cleared 

 of trees and other vegetation and are now altered and used for ag- 

 riculture, highways, railroads, navigation, ports, marinas, flood 

 control, water diversions, and development of urban, industrial, 

 and recreational complexes. These areas have relatively new regu- 

 lations that protect fisheries and little chance of returning to na- 

 ture. 



The least naturally productive habitats for fish rearing occur in 

 streams in upland areas that are normally forested. These areas 

 have steep gradients and the streams have narrow channels and 

 rapid flow rates. Forest practices are regulated more than any 

 other land or water use practice. Yet these areas, although man- 

 aged, are maintained as vegetated landscapes. 



Further improvements in freshwater habitats may not result in 

 increased salmonid abundance unless similar improvements occur 

 in important estuarine habitat, which now may be limiting. At the 

 same time, similar improvements, which may now be limited in 

 some solutions to the salmon problem, have to be based on sound, 

 scientific information gathered from all areas inhabited by these 

 fishes. 



I thank you for the opportunity, and both reports that I men- 

 tioned have been submitted for my testimony. 



[Prepared statement of Dr. Palmisano and reports submitted for 

 the record follow:] 



