News | Northwest Power and Conservation Council

With Few Exceptions, Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Returns Continue Downward Trend

March 12, 2021
John Harrison

The prediction for 2021 from fisheries managers is for just over 1 million fish, but that total could increase substantially if the estimated 1.6 million coho in the ocean materialize in the Columbia.

Canadian Columbia Basin Glaciers are Shrinking

August 04, 2020
John Harrison

Five years of research shows the warming climate is causing glaciers to retreat. There are implications for the Columbia River water supply.

'Sherman's Lagoon' Brings Salmon-Eating Sea Lions In The Columbia River To A World-wide Audience

April 21, 2020
John Harrison

In 'Sherman's Lagoon,' Filmore declares 'We need to help the seals and sea lions in the Columbia River."

New Fish, Old Story

March 15, 2018
John Harrison

2018 salmon and steelhead returns to the Columbia River are forecast below average, again.

Research Revision

June 15, 2017
John Harrison

By focusing research, the Council will make better-informed decisions about projects that address the most important issues in fish and wildlife recovery.

More Sea Lions, Fewer Fish

June 09, 2017
John Harrison

More sea lions and fewer spring Chinook salmon at Bonneville Dam this year was not good news for the fish.

Sea Lion Fish Feast

March 01, 2017
John Harrison

The number of salmon and steelhead consumed by sea lions at Bonneville Dam last year, more than 9,500 fish, was the second-largest since observations and monitoring began in 2002, according to a report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. During their annual spring foray into the Columbia River, sea lions also killed lamprey and sturgeon.

Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species in the Columbia River

December 17, 2015
Carol Winkel

Washington State University and the Columbia River Research Lab presented research on Asian copepods, and reviewed a project to enhance the region's ability to detect, and prevent the spread of, invasive quagga and zebra mussels.

Warm Water Wreaks Havoc on Columbia River Fish

August 12, 2015
John Harrison

Six words describe the state of the Columbia River in 2015 for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon: Too hot, too early, too long.

Warm Water Blamed for Huge Columbia River Sockeye Die-off

July 31, 2015
John Harrison

Federal and state fisheries biologists say more than a quarter million Columbia River sockeye salmon have died in the river and its tributaries this summer as the result of unusually warm water prompted by the regionwide drought and hot weather,

Integrating energy and the environment in the Columbia River Basin

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The Council works to protect and enhance fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin. Its Fish & Wildlife Program guides project funding by the Bonneville Power Administration.

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