Fish Killers
As we talked about today in class and found out that the dams on the Colubia and Snake rivers are a major salmon killer in the west. They said that there are only 3 dams in the whole drainage that even provide the oportunity for salmon to get past them. The fish ladders are a major stress on these fish as it is. Those that do make it past the laders and spawn successfuly, have most of the offspring killed as they try to make thier way from dam to dam back to the ocean. So I ask is this a good thing for the fishery? I would say no. out of 4 dams on the river only 4.13% produce hydro power, none of the dams provide flood control. Most of the water goes toward irrigation. Thier are alot better ways to coserve in irigation.
posted by Anonymous @ 9:37 PM
3 Comments:
It certainly is unplausable to remove the dams completely because we have grown to "depend" on them. But the fish ladders don't do much good. I remember watching a special on those ladders and how complicated and ineffective they were. Perhaps the best idea is to fin ways that are better than fish ladders so that the fish can spawn successfully.
The issue i see here is geting over rational ignorance, fish ladders sound good, and do have good intent. And for most people that have even heard about them thats all they have time for. The politicians do something good for the fish (hey its better than nothing). Some things dont work perfect but it may be the best that is possible. Unless people truly care enough that a few politicians may need to address this issue to secure their jobs it most likely wont be an important topic.
The next question that I have is the fish market strong enough to overpower peoples "need" for water? I would say no! Water is king in the west. I believe that it will always take priority over fish.
If salmon is ever a better market then water and people are willing to pay the costs then we might see some changes.
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