| Title | Dam removal and anadromous salmonid (Oncorhynchus spp.) conservation in California |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2014 |
| Authors | Quiñones, R. M., Grantham T. E., Harvey B. N., Kiernan J. D., Klasson M., Wintzer A. P., & Moyle P. B. |
| Journal | Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries |
| Date Published | 06/2014 |
| Type of Article | Journal |
| ISSN | 1573-5184 |
| Keywords | climate change, dams, Klamath River, Mediterranean environment, salmon, steelhead |
| Abstract | Dam removal is often proposed for
restoration of anadromous salmonid populations,
which are in serious decline in California. However,
the benefits of dam removal vary due to differences in
affected populations and potential for environmental
impacts. Here, we develop an assessment method to
examine the relationship between dam removal and
salmonid conservation, focusing on dams that act as
complete migration barriers. Specifically, we (1)
review the effects of dams on anadromous salmonids,
(2) describe factors specific to dam removal in
California, (3) propose a method to evaluate dam
removal effects on salmonids, (4) apply this method to
evaluate 24 dams, and (5) discuss potential effects of
removing four dams on the Klamath River. Our flexible
rating system can rapidly assess the likely effects of
dam removal, as a first step in the prioritization of
multiple dam removals. We rated eight dams proposed
for removal and compared them with another 16 dams,
which are not candidates for removal. Twelve of the 24
dams evaluated had scores that indicated at least a
moderate benefit to salmonids following removal. In
particular, scores indicated that removal of the four
dams on the Klamath River is warranted for salmonid
conservation. Ultimately, all dams will be abandoned,
removed, or rebuilt even if the timespan is hundreds of
years. Thus, periodic evaluation of the environmental
benefits of dam removal is needed using criteria such as
those presented in this paper. |
| URL | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11160-014-9359-5# |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11160-014-9359-5 |
