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Show less advantageous from the point of view of both power and flood control. However, they will not affect fishing on the main stream. The Mayfield and Mossyrock Projects on the Cowlitz River would obstruct movement of fish to spawning areas of the upper reaches. The fea- sibility of constructing facilities for the passage cf fish at these high dams is being thoroughly explored by the city of Tacoma, Wash., in connection with its application to the Federal Power Commission for a license to construct the projects. Definite conclusions have not yet been reached in this proj- ect, although fishery interests are strenuously op- posing construction. In general, fish interests have opposed the im- mediate construction of more dams on the lower Columbia and lower Snake Rivers. Instead, they proposed that additional power be provided by upstream projects, such as Libby and Hells Can- yon. This point of view has been presented by the Department of Fisheries of the State of Washing- ton, which proposes deferment of the construction of seven major dams until an adequate fisheries development program has been realized. The proj - ects are Priest Rapids, The Dalles, the Lower Snake dams (Ice Harbor, Little Goose, Lower Monu- mental, Lower Granite), and John Day. When construction is undertaken, it is suggested that it be in the order given above, which is inverse to the order of apparent destructiveness to the fishery. The Columbia Basin Inter-Agency Committee has considered all proposals, and has endorsed the lower Columbia fisheries plan, including deferment of lower Columbia reservoirs and prior construction of important upstream reservoirs. Conclusions There apparently is no resolution to this conflict which does not require a high degree of compromise by all interested parties. It is recognized that wherever feasible, all possible beneficial uses of water should be provided for on the Columbia, in- cluding commercial fishery production. There- fore, wherever physically possible it is expected that provision will be made for anadromous fish to migrate along their normal routes. In this way a significant part of the present fish resources may be retained. However, it must be noted that such a policy has some disadvantages from the point of view of electric power production. Con- centration upon the construction of headwater projects (which give the maximum freedom to migratory fish) results in more costly transmission facilities because the dams are relatively far from the likely load centers. Nevertheless, it seems wise to defer construction of main stem facilities which threaten the fisheries, as is now being done. In this way data can be accumulated and experiments made which ultimately may develop a means for allowing the near maximum power production, and the survival of an important industry as well. It is possible that we have only begun to realize the capacities of scientific fishery management for in- creasing the abundance of migratory fish in waters which are certain to remain accessible to them. A recommended interim policy, therefore, would allow additional years for experiment with the adjustment of the fishery to plans for maximum power production and development of navigation. It is essential that the lower Columbia fisheries pro- gram be given the fullest possible support at an early date. This is particularly important in view of the probable acceleration of construction of power facilities in the area which may be required by defense industry. Lack of sufficient appropria- tions already has retarded the program as planned and agreed upon. When the stage of need for full power development is ultimately reached, some conflicts may still remain. At that time two points may well be considered in the decision: Commercial fishery production from migratory fish constitutes a small percentage of the total food production of the region, although it is a significant part of the animal protein production. It is possible that a reasonably abundant sup- ply of game fish can be produced in the Columbia system in spite of the construction of dams au- thorized or contemplated. However, these fish will be mainly of species considered inferior by most resident sportsmen, although they have been acceptable to fishermen in reservoirs elsewhere in the country.14 Firm conclusions on the quantity of game fish which will live in the Columbia reservoirs cannot be reached on the basis of present data. The experience of the Tennessee Valley Authority nevertheless suggests that the possibility exists. Therefore, it is suggested that: (1) Accessibility of every stream to migratory fish cannot be considered wholly essential to either 14 The possible reservoir species include bass, pike, blue- gills, and similar fishes. However, the possibility of in- vasion by carp, squaw fish, and other "scrap" fish must also be taken into account. Landlocked salmon and trout now live in Roosevelt Lake. 47 |