In-side Review of PATH presented at the Idaho State House in Boise, Jan 20 1999. Breaching dams will return the hydrosystem to its present day condition. That is breaching does not improve the chance of fish recovery. Because of the complexity and style of the presentation PATH gives the false impression that consensus was reached. To determine what is best, dam breaching or fish transportation, the estimates of survival noted above are required.
Different hypotheses give different answers.
Thus, the answer to what is best, depends on which models, data and parameter guesses are used. The process is difficult to understand, contains significant uncertainty and is strongly determined by the judgements of the designated reviewers who weight the alternative hypotheses involving the parameter guesses and estimates, and the selection of data and models. The process runs the risk of improperly ascribing scientific validity to the personal opinions of reviewers. By weighting a particular combination of data, parameter, and models nearly any desired result can be obtained. The four SRP scientists weighted the PATH hypotheses and got the result that breaching dams is best.