Improving Passage for Fish
Managers of dams on the Columbia River continue to find ways to improve passage for fish. Fish migrating to and from this region pass between seven to nine major dams on the Columbia River depending on their starting place. Fish cannot travel above Chief Joseph Dam, effectively cutting off 40 percent of the historic habitat. Efforts are underway to explore reintroduction of migrating fish into this blocked habitat. Immense efforts have been made during the past 50 years to improve passage at dams and through reservoirs. Generally, the rate of fish surviving dams has improved but some fish still are lost. Partners continue to look for ways to improve survival.
For more about hydropower in this region, see the Hydropower Background Summary
Visit the Salmon Data Hub for more of the data behind the indicator charts and graphs used throughout this site.