The documents discussed in the background section will affect the Final 99 Decision, although they are not the only documents in progress that will be considered in the decision on salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin. Of these, only two are new processes that have been undertaken to address gaps in information and analysis. Due to the complex life cycle of anadromous fish, literally hundreds of factors and conditions can affect their survival. Habitat refers to stream, estuary and ocean conditions, including predation. Hatcheries rear millions of smolts each year, but in recent years, scientists have begun to look at issues of quantity and quality.
Harvest includes both sport and commercial fishing.
States, tribes, interest groups and citizens have expressed concern with the development of the Four-H Paper. They argue that it is being discussed behind closed doors, its contents remain unknown, it is unclear whether the process will remain closed or whether public input will be sought, and the Federal Caucus has no plans to pursue independent scientific review of the document. Seven alternatives for the Columbia Basin are being analyzed ranging from the breaching of the four lower Snake Dams plus the John Day Dam, to no modification of the current system configuration. The biological, social and economic effects of each of the alternatives will be analyzed. Although the states, tribes and federal agencies are participating in developing the alternatives and methods of analysis, the federal government has no statutory responsibility to consider the findings of the Framework.