The Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG) was commissioned by Congress in 2000 to evaluate the role of hatcheries in Pacific Northwest salmon recovery. The HSRG began with a review of all Puget Sound hatchery operations from 2001-2003 and then moved on to a review of Columbia River Basin hatchery operations from 2006-2008. The HSRG released their report on hatchery operations for the Columbia River Basin on March 27, 2009. The following are the tribes’ initial response to the HSRG Columbia River Hatchery Reform Final Report:

1. The report describes the results of an unparalleled comprehensive scientific review of hatchery programs and hatchery program possibilities in the Columbia River Basin. It appropriately considered whether, and in what manner, hatcheries can be used to assist the managers in meeting their conservation and harvest goals for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin.
2. The recommendations in the report are technical and scientific and do not, nor were they ever intended to, provide policy guidance. As such, any changes to hatchery programs in response to the recommendations must be informed by and consistent with existing legal and policy mandates such as:
   • Legislatively authorized and mandated mitigation obligations of the FCRPS and other dams to provide fish. The mitigation obligations associated with the FCRPS are substantial and are not supplanted by the need to comply with the Endangered Species Act;
   • Legally mandated harvest agreements (US vs. Oregon, Pacific Salmon Treaty) and tribal treaty reserved fishing rights;
   • Logistical challenges and facility constraints;
   • Funding needs for new infrastructure and operating budgets (which have been stagnant or decreasing) necessary for implementation
3. The recommendations are not mandates that carry the force of law or policy and that the intent is not for them to be requirements in HGMPs or conditions upon which future funding for hatchery programs would be predicated.
4. In the last twelve months, tribal, state and federal co-managers, and others have concluded domestic and international agreements setting forth unprecedented commitments and dynamic management frameworks needed to protect and recover anadromous fish resources. These agreements provide a context for considering and implementing the recommendations in the report.
5. The recommendations of the HSRG are not the only possible alternatives for managing hatchery programs to meet conservation and harvest goals. Managers may have other recommendations that better meet their program principles and goals.
6. Fisheries managers have the expertise and authority to manage these salmon and steelhead populations. Managers intend to consider and where appropriate, incorporate the results of the scientific review in their programs.
7. Implementing the HSRG recommendations will require substantial long-term commitment of resources. New and/or improved facilities as well as increased O&M budgets that include appropriate M&E funding will be necessary.

The tribes complement the HSRG for completing their report and look forward to reviewing the results and recommendations. We view the HSRG conclusion that hatcheries can be managed to provide harvest benefits and meet conservation objectives as a positive outcome of the review. However, we’d like to note that to make modifications to production programs contained in the US v Oregon Agreement, the Parties must agree to do so consistent with the process outlined in the Agreement.

For more information, contact Charles Hudson, (503) 731-1257,