2002 · 186 citations · 8 references
Natural ResourcesFisheriesMarine SciencesFisheries ConservationFisheries ManagementFisheries PolicyAquatic Habitat ProtectionEndangered Fish Species RecoveryEndangered Species ActEndangered Species LegislationFisheries Conservation PolicySection 7 ConsultationCritical Habitat ProtectionEndangered Species ListingsEssential Fish Habitat AssessmentEssential Fish Habitat ProtectionFish Habitat DegradationFisheries Habitat ProtectionImpactsThreatened Fish Conservation
The May 31, 2002, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Final Biological Opinion (BO) on the effects of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) Klamath Project on Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts (SONCC) coho salmon contains a “reasonable and prudent alternative” (RPA) that prescribes flows are so low the Klamath River will be placed in a state of perpetual drought. Such low flows will jeopardize the continued existence of coho salmon in the Klamath Basin and will result in destruction or harm to its critical habitat. SONCC coho salmon are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the California Fish and Game Commission recently determined that coho salmon from San Francisco Bay to the Oregon border are warranted for listing under the California Endangered Species Act. Furthermore, these extremely low flows will cause adverse impacts to the essential fish habitat (EFH) of coho and chinook salmon, which are managed by the Council. Therefore, the Council urges the Bureau and NMFS to immediately reinitiate Section 7 ESA consultation regarding Klamath Project effects on SONCC coho salmon and its critical habitat, and to reinitiate consultation on Klamath Project effects on coho and chinook salmon EFH.
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