• The 7-year-old Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility has boosted Yakima Basin spring Chinook returns from a previous annual average of 3,000 to currently more than 15,000 fish per year since 2000. Much of the increase is due to natural factors such as improved ocean conditions, but biologists estimate the project has increased upper Yakima spring Chinook populations by about 90 percent in 2001 and 70 percent in 2002 over pre-hatchery returns.
• Joint efforts of the Umatilla Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Bonneville Power Administration Fish and Wildlife Program have yielded fish returns to the Umatilla River and its tributaries after a 70-year absence.
• The Nez Perce Tribe's hatchery supplementation program accomplished a 2002 record-breaking fall Chinook salmon count of 12,347 adults at Lower Granite Dam, reflecting more than 25 percent of a total 46,077 fish since the dam was built in 1975. The tribe also reintroduced coho salmon to the Snake River.
• Hanford Reach upriver bright fall Chinook remain among the few Columbia River salmon stocks escaping decline. The Priest Rapids Upriver Bright Hatchery program is credited as a force behind up to 30 percent of upriver brights returning to Hanford Reach spawning grounds. Also the Reach comprises the last free-flowing stretch of quality spawning and rearing habitat in the Columbia River.

Tribal biologists have recognized the value of careful, conscientious supplementation using hatchery-reared salmon as one of the resources to restore Northwest fish populations. The tribes note, however, that technology-based measures must complement efforts to conserve and restore the watersheds and tributaries where salmon live.

"It is essential," said Blackwolf, "that this hatchery policy serve only as one part of a comprehensive package for salmon recovery. Failure to safeguard and improve habitat will propel us only downward toward more extinctions, no matter what else we do."

Said CRITFC executive director Olney Patt Jr.: "At first glance this proposal seems to break down the longstanding arbitrary wall between hatchery-reared and wild salmon populations. It's not a panacea, and it certainly doesn't fix the obstacles salmon face with hydroelectric dams, irrigation and other challenges. But it's a start."

CRITFC member tribes will conduct a thorough technical review of the proposal during its 90-day comment period. "We anticipate productive discussions with NOAA Fisheries during that time," said Patt.