Gluesenkamp Perez Challenges BPA Exit from Columbia River Fisheries Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez sent a letter to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to request information on the decision to withdraw funding for the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program and BPA’s plans to fulfill a statutory mandate to support native fish recovery. 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits Skamania Hatchery after concerns over its closure in April.

Since its roll out in 1993, the SAFE program has created commercial and sport fishing opportunities in off-stem areas of the Columbia River. By supporting hatchery populations of salmon, it has alleviated harvest pressures on wild salmon populations in the main stem, while supporting regional economies.

“This is a decision with real consequences,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “For decades, hatcheries have made sure there is a healthy population of salmon in the river. This isn’t abstract to people here– commercial and sport fishing is part of our heritage and our way of life. Supporting hatcheries is critical to sustaining the communities whose livelihoods depend on them.”

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez expressed concern that current estimates show BPA’s termination of funding will affect hatchery operations in Washington state. She argues this decision could put 7 million hatchery fish currently in production at risk, and risk jobs across Southwest Washington.

The letter can be read HERE.