Advocacy

Anyone who fishes the Columbia knows the importance of spill to increase adult returns.

Decades ago, we noticed when salmon smolts out migrated to the ocean on high spill, 2 to 3 years later we saw large increases in adult salmon returning! The science behind the benefits of spill was compelling, and NSIA started fighting for spill during outmigration. In 2006 NSIA and our allies were successful in convincing a federal judge to increase spill when fall chinook were outmigrating. Judge Redden ordered more spill and two generations of salmon later, we saw near-record returns of fall chinook. The fish responded beautifully to our advocacy.

We want the same positive outcome for spring chinook. Scientific studies indicate a modest increase in spill has the potential to double the number of spring chinook returning to Idaho. Convinced by decades of data, Federal Judge Simon granted an increase in spring spill, starting in 2018.

Unfortunately, many do not want the water to go over the top for smolts, they want it to go through the turbines. Some utilities have started a campaign to stop Judge Simon’s spill order. Recently, four members of Congress wrote a concerning letter calling spill into question.

You can read the letter here and our response to the letter here.

After decades of studying spill, NSIA is convinced that short of taking out dams, the right levels of spill are necessary to recover and restore abundant salmon and steelhead runs in the Columbia.

Click here if you like to help with our court battles.

Below is a list of other issues NSIA has spearheaded since its inception:

• Sea lions (MMPA)
• Wild fish recovery, by balancing all the Hs (Habitat, Hydro, Hatchery & Harvest)
• Mass marketing/selective fisheries
• Gillnet debate
• Dam spill/Hydro-electric reforms
• Removal of outdated dams
• Hatchery support/funding
• Fighting anti-hatchery lawsuits
• Harvest allocation/Hatchery practices
• Season restrictions
• Habitat development and restoration/Healthy watersheds
• Protecting the rights of anglers
• Served on the ODFW warm water task
• Industry voice on government task forces & committees

NSIA staff, board members and lobbyists sit on an array of board and committees that deal with pivotal matters concerning our industry, protecting fish and fisheries today and for future generations.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN IN THIS EFFORT!