TheBalrogofMelkor t1_j7v5z22 wrote on February 9, 2023 at 5:13 PM

Reply to comment by geckobrother in Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it's costing them by RestSnorlax

Dams reduce how much of their breeding streams the salmon can access. Warming streams mean less oxygen for the eggs as well, and overfishing is yet another factor.

Dams definitely hurt them though

geckobrother t1_j7v73vw wrote on February 9, 2023 at 5:20 PM

They do, but over the last 50 years, we've developed vastly better dams and systems to help offset their effects. I wouldn't say dams don't reduce salmon population, but it's I'm the 5-10% range, as opposed to global warming which has pushed the 15-20% mark already, and is likely to continue to increase.

Throw-a-Ru t1_j7w8jql wrote on February 9, 2023 at 9:09 PM

>They do, but over the last 50 years, we've developed vastly better dams and systems to help offset their effects.

We have the technology, sure, but that doesn't mean that old dams were retrofitted, nor does it mean that the new technology was installed properly. For instance, at least one dam I know of has a salmon ladder that's easily 100' above the water line.

geckobrother t1_j7wrpm8 wrote on February 9, 2023 at 11:15 PM

Depends on the state. Where I live (Oregon), we do retrofit. But we're a pretty pro-fish and nature state.

Throw-a-Ru t1_j80nl86 wrote on February 10, 2023 at 7:28 PM

Unfortunately, the Columbia River Basin is blocked at several points before it ever gets to Oregon. At least one of the dams blocking the river is one that provides power to Oregon.