Institute for Fisheries Resources

The Klamath River forms the border between California and Oregon, and once hosted the third largest runs of salmon on the West Coast. Now, four dams on the river have virtually eliminated salmon. After years of controversy, a unique and complex agreement was struck between salmon interests, Native Americans, farmers, and the company that owns the dams. This grant would continue support to ensure the many steps in the agreement are secured so the dams can be removed on schedule.

The Institute for Fisheries Resources works to restore salmon to Pacific Coast rivers. This grant would support its efforts to remove four dams blocking spawning salmon on the Klamath River, on the border between California and Oregon, which once hosted the third-largest runs of salmon on the West Coast. To secure dam removal, the Institute will work to implement a complete agreement signed by farmers, ranchers, Native American tribes, and fishing interests in the region. The agreement seeks to meet water needs related to agriculture and fish restoration along the Klamath so the dams can be removed.

The Klamath River, forming the border between California and Oregon, once hosted the third largest runs of salmon on the West Coast. Now, four dams on the river have virtually eliminated salmon. After years of controversy a unique and complex agreement was struck between salmon interests, Native Americans, farmers and the company that owns the dams. The agreement calls for the dams to be removed by 2020 and for a more reliable source of water to be provided to farmers and Native Interests. The Institute for Fisheries Research played a key role in brokering the agreement and is a signatory to it. This grant would support the Institute's work to ensure the many steps in the agreement are secured so the dams can be removed on schedule.