FCRPS Adaptive Management Implementation Plan

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AMIP Updates:

Jan. 22, 2010:  Upper Columbia Spring Chinook

Sept. 15, 2009

Background: The Obama Administration undertook an extensive effort to review the 2008 FCRPS Biological Opinion (BiOp). The process included listening to the views of the parties to the litigation, as well as those of agency and independent scientists, and a consideration of the points raised in a May 2009 letter from U.S. District Court Judge James A. Redden. The Administration determined that the science underlying the BiOp is fundamentally sound, but there are uncertainties in some predictions regarding the future condition of the listed species. As a result, the Administration has developed an “insurance policy for the fish” as part of the BiOp. A key to this “insurance policy” are contingency measures to be implemented in case of a significant decline in fish abundance. The plan improves on efforts to track and detect climate change and its effects on listed species and other uncertainties that could emerge over the 10-year life of the biological opinion. This Adaptive Management Implementation Plan (AMIP) was filed with Judge Redden on September 15, 2009.

Obama Administration Conclusions: As implemented through the AMIP, the 2008 BiOp is biologically and legally sound, is based on the best available scientific information, and satisfies the ESA jeopardy standard. The BiOp is the result of extensive regional collaboration and reflects great regional consensus. With this BiOp Implementation Plan, the Administration hopes to broaden this support so that we can put the last decade of litigation behind us. It is time to get to work implementing fish protections, working with our state and tribal partners.

Other information on the AMIP:

Overview of the AMIP 
Action agency letter to NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Dr. Lubchenco letter to action agencies

Appendices:

Federal defendants’ response to Court’s May 18, 2009 letter