At question is the type of genetic diversity to be scrutinized. That's a very important question because, without a doubt, our region's restoration strategies are failing. If our purity views are preventing us from reversing the decline, then we have a moral obligation to try alternative strategies. Some will argue that artificial production is the cause of the decline. We are concerned that these are used as scapegoats.
Restoration is experimental, and to find the best way, many alternatives have to be compared.
The legislation, however, is not a carte blanche in regards to salmon restoration. Instead, it returns co-management of the salmon resource to be shared between the state and the tribes. The ultimate goal of the tribes is the restoration of the salmon and fishing for all people in the Northwest. With the tribal restoration plan's proven record, their commitment to wild salmon, and the assurance of flexibility and co-management, this goal can be reached. This page last modified on 24 May 1999.