Salmon Recovery in the Columbia River Basin: Analysis of Measures Affecting Agriculture

Marcel Aillery, Michael R. Moore, Marca Weinberg, Glen Schaible, and Noel Gollehon

Elsewhere No. (0005), April 1999

Native salmon runs of the Columbia River basin have declined precipitously in recent decades, prompting the listing of several stocks under the Federal Endangered Species Act. This analysis examines the effects of proposed salmon recovery measures on the Northwest agricultural sector. Primary measures affecting agriculture include modified timing of dam releases, reservoir drawdown, and flow augmentation. Potential adjustments in input cost and supply include increased grain transport costs due to restricted barging along the lower Snake River; higher irrigation pumping costs with increased hydroelectric power rates; and reduced irrigation water diversions in the upper Snake River basin. Input cost and quantity changes are quantified and combined into seven recovery scenarios for analysis.

Keywords: salmon, fishery, irrigation, endangered species, drawdown, flow augmentation, Columbia River, Snake River, Economic Research Service, ERS, USDA, U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Updated date: April 1999