Washington says lower Columbia commercial fishing is still an active community economy
Washington's fish-and-wildlife agency says commercial fishing on the Columbia River continues today and supports the economic well-being of communities along the river.
The state record identifies the lower Columbia as a working fishery and a historic fishing landscape.
Oregon's recent records show how much salmon value has already been pushed into Columbia fisheries
ODFW's 2024 executive summary says that because of the 2023 ocean troll closure, 92 percent of Oregon salmon landings ex-vessel value came from Columbia River non-Indian and tribal net fisheries. The same summary notes that Columbia River spring Chinook fills a premium niche market.
ODFW's 2023 value split puts recent salmon revenue directly into the Columbia River net-fishery lane.
The federal habitat review already names fish impacts
NOAA's consultation record says the project would likely adversely affect 23 listed species or distinct population segments and would adversely affect essential fish habitat. NOAA also says the project area includes roughly 10,000 linear feet of waterways that drain floodwater and supply irrigation water to farms.
The same local system people use to talk about farm water and flood management is also part of the fish-habitat story.
