The reintroduction of salmon and steelhead in blocked areas of the upper Snake River basin could take a significant step forward, if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission agrees to analyze fish passage at the Hells Canyon Complex. Read moreTribes, NMFS Seek Analysis of Fish Passage for Hells Canyon Relicensing
After spending years in limbo, Idaho Power's effort to relicense the Hells Canyon Complex is back on track. Read moreSnake River Tribes Concerned FERC May Ignore New Info
Seattle City Light's draft license application for the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project generated numerous comments from state and federal agencies, tribes and others about important factors to consider in the final license application, due April 30. Read moreCommenters Say SCL Draft Relicense Studies Incomplete
While many commercial fish stocks in the California Current ecosystem are vulnerable to climate change, five species of Pacific salmon and steelhead will likely be among the most affected, according to a study published Feb. 21 in Frontiers in Marine Science. Read moreStudy: Salmon Challenges From Climate Change Highlighted
Federal dam operators have reduced water releases from Grand Coulee Dam that in most years keep chum eggs below Bonneville Dam submerged, but are hoping a series of storms may prevent some of the redds from being dewatered. Read moreReduced River Flows Disrupt Chum Operations Below Bonneville
Following a very dry January and February throughout much of the Columbia Basin, forecasters predict lower-than-normal water supply this summer. Read moreCold Weather Helps Preserve Columbia Basin Snowpack
An annual report on sea lion predation at Bonneville Dam concluded that while the lethal removal of pinnipeds appears to be reducing their numbers, fish managers should take note of the sustained impacts from years of predation on fish populations, including spring Chinook, steelhead, white … Read moreReport: Sea Lion Abundance Drops, But 'Sustained Impacts' to Fish Remain
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says in a report that current state water policies do not adequately account for climate change and increasing human demand, and that action is needed to meet the needs of fish, wildlife and people. Read moreUrgent Need for Action Managing Instream Flows, WDFW Says
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council developed a new tool to show the performance of its Fish and Wildlife Program, funded by the Bonneville Power Administration. Read moreNew Tool Tracks Performance of Fish and Wildlife Program
Alaska's congressional delegation is asking a federal judge in Seattle to not issue an order that would effectively close commercial troll fishing for Chinook salmon in southeast Alaska, saying it would undermine objectives of the Pacific Salmon Treaty and devastate Alaskan communities. Read moreAlaska's Congressional Delegation Seeks Continued Chinook Troll Fishing Amidst Lawsuit
When it comes to aquatic invasive species, one of the biggest efforts in the Columbia Basin is to prevent the arrival of zebra and quagga mussels. Read moreEffort to Keep Mussels Out of Columbia Basin Expanding
Nonnative species can prey on native species, eat the same foods, or disrupt the food web. They can also transmit diseases or interbreed with native species. Whatever their impact, nonnative species are considered a serious threat to salmon recovery in the Columbia Basin. Read moreWide Range of Invasives Impacting Columbia Basin Habitat
The Pacific Fishery Management Council has lowered the threshold of Chinook salmon abundance used to determine when ocean fishing will be limited to ensure enough fish are available to southern resident killer whales. Read moreThreshold for Reducing Chinook Ocean Harvest Lowered
A walleye caught in Lake Cascade during the spring of 2022 was illegally planted about two years before it was caught, Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists determined. Read moreIdaho Department of Fish and Game: Walleye Illegally Planted in Lake Cascade
A Deschutes River tributary in the heart of central Oregon has undergone a tremendous transformation after more than 25 years of habitat restoration work, partially funded by the Bonneville Power Administration. Read moreOregon Habitat Project Makes Slow, Steady Strides
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee appointed two new members to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. Steve Parker, of Yakima County, is a retired fish biologist who worked for the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and will serve as an eastern Washington representative. Wood… Read moreBrief Mentions: New Appointments
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