BPA selects successors to Fish Passage Center

PR 05 06

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THURSDAY, Jan. 26, 2006

Contact: Mike Hansen | , BPA (503)-230-5131

BPA selects successors to Fish Passage Center

Separates data collection-analysis and policy coordination

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Bonneville Power Administration announced today that it has selected two organizations to conduct salmon monitoring activities and scientific analysis in the Columbia Basin. Starting March 21, the two entities will replace work done by the Fish Passage Center. Implementation details will be worked out over the next several weeks to ensure seamless continuity.

Manage the smolt monitoring program;
Perform functions associated with related data collection and management;
Conduct routine analysis and reporting of that data.

Oversee, coordinate and facilitate broader, non-routine scientific analysis of that data, including independent peer review;
Manage the analysis itself, which will be performed by biometricians and scientists selected by and under contract to Battelle via request for qualifications.

In addition, BPA proposed that the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority assume the function of coordinating the policy interests of regional fishery agencies and tribes on flow and spill issues. This would be done under a modification to its current BPA contract, pending approval of its members.

"BPA strongly supports the principle of clear separation between data collection and management, scientific analysis and coordination of policy," said Greg Delwiche, BPA's vice president for Environment, Fish and Wildlife. "Our decisions today reflect that principle. This clear separation of functions will enhance the independence and neutrality of the scientific analysis in both fact and appearance."

Delwiche said he is confident that the PSMFC will achieve continuity of salmon smolt monitoring and other data collection activities that help inform decision makers. Battelle has a long record of scientific objectivity and excellence that will be put to use in overseeing and coordinating the analysis and interpretation of data, he said. This will include independent peer review.

On Dec. 8, 2005, BPA solicited proposals from entities interested in performing the work currently being done by the Fish Passage Center. Applications were due Dec. 30. The new contracts are for approximately one year and may be extended pending further regional discussion.

PSMFC will coordinate implementation of the Smolt Monintoring Program, manage the real-time database of the monitoring program and related data, and perform routine analysis and reporting of that data. PSMFC, located in Portland, Ore., was formed by Congress more than 50 years ago. It helps resource agencies and the fishing industry manage Pacific Ocean resources on a sustainable basis for five Northwest states.

Battelle, which has operated the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Richland, Wash. since 1965, will serve a coordinating function, relying on experts in the field to provide in-depth analysis of the data. Battelle is expected to adhere to the highest principles of neutral and independent analysis. Results will be subject to peer review.

"This approach is designed to provide continuity in the smolt monitoring, data gathering, science analysis and policy coordination functions of the Fish Passage Center, which was originally established as part of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's fish and wildlife program," said Delwiche. "The newly selected entities will maintain a clear separation of scientific data collection, the interpretation of that data to make policy, and the development of policy."

These changes respond to instructions from Congress.

Submitted for distribution on 01-26-2006 at 10:07 AM

Bonneville Power Administration, 905 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232
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