Hydropower vs Fish
Submitted by Debi Keshian on Thu, 2016-07-14 00:00
Today I learned that young salmon live in the river system for a year before they head to the ocean. They face upstream and let the current move them to the ocean. They are about five inches long when they begin the journey to the ocean. When they enter a reservoir they have a hard time. Fish ladders help the mature fish up the rivers but sometimes the next generation doesn't get flushed back to the ocean. Removal of dams would help. But... the dams produce energy, store water and help mitigate flooding. In away we are all stakeholders. It was nice to hear from professionals that helped explain some of the details of this issue.
Comments
Is there a right answer?
It's quite interesting to hear both sides of the story and how each one has it's pros and cons. I've heard from stakeholders before on both sides, and while I feel that the dams are very important to our energy, water storage, and flooding maintenance, I also love fishing and the nutrients that they bring to our streams and rivers. I feel that public awareness on both ends is key so that new and improved ways of maintaining and sustaining can come about.
Not really
Unfortunately I don't think there is a right answer when it comes to hydro dams. The damson the snake and Columbia rivers provide most of the power of the Pacific Northwest and then some. For our region, they are the only reliable source of energy that can meet the demands of the population. As for salmon and steelhead migration there is an obvious disruption. So far no realistic solutions have been implemented because it seems like there is really just one answer.
Debi,
Debi,
This week I have learned, I know nothing when it comes to our water systems, fish, where the water comes from for me to be able to do all of the fun things I like to do in Idaho. I never even thought about the conflicts that might go on between all stakeholders in the area and the state as far as water use, management and whats best for the enviroment and wildlife.
It makes me wonder what other states who have the same problems do in this situation.
Lisa
Tough subject
The water battle of Idaho is a diverse one. Without the dams we would not be here. Our lands would be a giant sagebrush community, there would be no crops, the reservoirs we use and enjoy would also be absent. Then you talk about the magical salmon and what we do inhibits their life journey. It is crazy to think about 100 years ago many of our rivers were flooded each season with salmon. Making the miraculous journey from river to ocean to river again traveling thousands of miles. Their life cycle is absolutely amazing and as a person of science I would love to preserve what we have left of these magical species. Saying that as a man of science I also understand we can not be here without those dams and power. The working together of power and farmers to maintain healthly water levels for crops, houses, and reservoirs. Its' a tricky and hard situation to manage and keep our salmon friends alive and healthy at the same time. I hope we can come up with new techology that would allow our salmon to make the journey and allow us to keep the water and dams that we need so desperately.