the film
forum
library
tutorial
contact

DONATE

Commentaries and editorials

Overfishing, Habitat Destruction Pose Greater Threat
to Salmon than Snake River Dams

by Lawrence Weyer
Yakima Herald, April 12, 2021

In retrospect, the number of returning adult salmon was relatively level from 1938 through 1990.  The precipitous loss of returning chinook entering the Snake River (Figure 20) accounts for a major share of the decline that has occurred in total return to the Columbia -- Artificial Production Review, NW Power & Conservation Council To the editor -- Help! I don’t understand. Why would U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho push for the removal of the four Snake River dams in Washington? Historically, the major Snake river spawning areas were the Clearwater, Salmon, Weiser, Payette, and Boise. Salmon are blocked from three of those tributaries by dams with no fish ladders. The Washington dams do have fish ladders.

Also, declining salmon stocks have been documented as far back as 1894 (Oregon History Project). It appears to me that overfishing and spawning habitat destruction pose greater threats.

As Alice once said, "Curiouser and curiouser."


Lawrence Weyer, Goldendale
Overfishing, Habitat Destruction Pose Greater Threat to Salmon than Snake River Dams
Yakima Herald, April 12, 2021

See what you can learn

learn more on topics covered in the film
see the video
read the script
learn the songs
discussion forum
salmon animation