For Immediate Release

July 27, 2000

STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. NORM DICKS
REGARDING THE ISSUANCE OF NMFS BIOLOGICAL OPINION

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Responding to the National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion, required under the Endangered Species Act to protect threatened or endangered species on the Columbia/Snake River system, U.S. Congressman Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) issued the following statement:

        I believe that the interagency decision, reached after considerable scientific study, offers the real promise of restoring threatened salmon runs on the Columbia and Snake River system. It is a consensus decision, based upon the best science available and the most sound legal interpretation of the Endangered Species Act. In summary, it is scientifically credible, legally defensible, and biologically sound.

        By addressing each factor contributing to the decline of salmon in the Northwest, this is a comprehensive recovery plan that provides the best hope for returning salmon and it reserves judgments about more drastic measures such as breaching dams. I am confident that this plan, if fully implemented, can produce results in the near term, and I am encouraged that it is also a far-sighted proposal.

        This effort will not be an easy one: it requires the region to adopt tough measures to restore critical salmon habitat, reform hatcheries and reduce harvest if we want to keep the Snake River dams in place. It will take a substantial financial commitment -- both federal and local -- and it will have a broad impact on all of our communities.

        I am optimistic that the region is up to the task, and that we recognize that this plan provides both an opportunity and obligation. If we take the necessary steps to comply with the Endangered Species Act and recover salmon, the dams will remain in place. Clearly we must do everything we can to fully comply with the terms of this plan, so that the region can continue to prosper.

        To the opponents of this plan, I would say "what is your alternative? What other proposal is both compliant with the Endangered Species Act and enables the region to recover the 12 threatened or endangered species?"

        The Administration has given us a credible non-breach alternative. Administration critics should either present a credible non-breach alternative or lower their voices.

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