Controversy exists as to the importance of the ocean and dams in producing the recent stock declines. Our research indicates that, although many factors have caused the salmon decline, barging and improved dam passage have mitigated much of the effects of dams. Poor ocean survival is likely the most important factor in the recent decline. Flow and spill actions in the recovery plan are analyzed and shown to be ineffective recovery actions. Contrary to the claims of some analyses, the flow augmentation will have little impact on survival.
Spill can actually decrease survival because of the resulting gas bubble trauma.
Moreover, it is likely that the 1995 spill actions decreased fish survival significantly. Our research suggests that improving barging and dam passage are the most effective salmon recovery actions. The controversy can be resolved by testing scientific claims in a peer review process and by continued monitoring, experimentation, and evaluation of barging, flow, spill, ocean conditions, and fish condition on fish survival. Open access of information, models and analyses is essential for salmon recovery. The World Wide Web is a our best means of achieving open access.