This report completes the ISAB's three-part response to your request for a review of the draft performance standards and indicators attached to the Council's Artificial Production Review (APR).With the Council's Fish and Wildlife program amendment process coinciding with the release of the draft FCRPS BiOP, the Governor's Plan, and the Federal Caucus All-H paper, important salmon and steelhead recovery planning is underway in the Columbia River basin. These plans anticipate continued use of artificial production to provide fish for harvest and to help rebuild depressed wild stocks. Consequently, the ISAB believes this letter of transmittal provides a timely and appropriate opportunity to summarize our review of the APR performance standards and indicators and to suggest that our integrated evaluation of the various regional plans could serve as a forum to continue to contribute to the region's hatchery reform efforts.
