Columbia River Mainstem Flow Management for Anadromous Fish

Columbia River Mainstem Flow Management for Anadromous Fish

The management of flow for the benefit of 13 listed species of anadromous fish in the mainstem Columbia River has been one of the actions of NOAA Fisheries’ biological opinions since 1995.  The biological rationale and mechanics of the current flow management program, which includes both reservoir operations and mainstem flow regulation, will be presented.  The Columbia Treaty offered another opportunity to consider alternative flow management measures.  The biological rationale for considering changes to the existing flow program will be presented.