| OCR Text |
Show basin programs could markedly increase fish and wildlife. We can likewise increase the source and output of commercial fisheries; 10 percent of our fish supply, for example, comes from salmon. Proper handling and development of this already considerable food source could provide increasing quantities as population increases. 4. In the planning and development of river basins, a balance among all purposes should be sought, yielding the best combination of bene- ficial uses in the basin. In general this will mean, among other things, that the complete de- watering of all streams with recognized fish or wildlife values should be avoided as far as possible. Under these circumstances the right to divert water should be dependent on provision for the release of compensatory water during periods of low flow. These releases should be adequate to guarantee continuous use of the river below the diversion by wildlife and fish, and to prevent serious dama_ge in tidal areas where commercial fisheries are involved. 5. An expanded program of biological and wildlife management research should be estab- lished in order to meet the demand for basic data required in multiple-purpose planning. 6. Before any action is taken on proposed drainage projects financed directly or indirectly by the Federal Government, such projects should be studied by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and by State fish and game or conservation depart- ments to determine their effect on waterfowl habitat. Resulting recommendations should be given consideration before final approval of such projects by the appropriate Federal agency. 7. Where significant conflicts arise between the maintenance or enhancement of fishery or wild- life interests and other purposes in water develop- ment, judgment should be made on the basis of complete multiple-purpose basin programs. Ac- count should be taken of comparative benefits for the several purposes, fish and wildlife among them, in their place as part of a properly balanced regional program. 266 |
