Purpose

The ISAB is to foster a scientific approach to fish and wildlife recovery and the use of sound scientific methods in research related to the programs of NOAA Fisheries, the Council, and the Tribes.  It is understood that the interests of NOAA Fisheries relate particularly to anadromous fish conservation and management, while those of the Council and the Tribes include all fish and wildlife populations affected by operation and development of the Columbia River Basin hydroelectric system.  NOAA Fisheries is responsible for federal stewardship of the Nation's marine and anadromous fish, and marine mammals.  The Council is charged to "protect, mitigate and enhance" fish (anadromous and resident) and wildlife as affected by operation and development of the hydroelectric system.  The Tribes manage fish and wildlife resources on their respective reservations, are co-managers on ceded lands, and are responsible to ensure treaty provisions governing natural resources are secured to future generations.

The ISAB is a standing body with general tasks that guide the ISAB work plan.  Specific ISAB assignments are commonly generated within the fiscal year, often span fiscal years, and are sometimes unanticipated.  The ISAB's general tasks or review charge is provided below, followed by proposed assignments for Fiscal Year 2006 (FY 2006).

General Tasks

The ISAB will address scientific and technical issues relating to the Council's Fish and Wildlife Program, tribal fish and wildlife programs, and the NOAA Fisheries Recovery Program for Columbia River Basin salmonids.  Principal activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Evaluate the Council's Fish and Wildlife Program scientific principles to ensure they are consistent with the best available science.

2) Evaluate the Council's Fish and Wildlife Program on its scientific merits in time to inform amendments to the fish and wildlife program and before the Council requests recommendations from the region.

3) Provide scientific review of NOAA Fisheries recovery planning activities for Columbia River Basin stocks when requested.

4) Review the scientific and technical issues associated with efforts to improve anadromous fish survival through all life stages, based on adaptive management approaches.

5) Review and provide advice on priorities for conservation and recovery efforts, including research, monitoring, and evaluation and data management.

6) Provide scientific reviews of topics identified as critical to fish recovery and conservation in the Columbia River Basin.

7) Evaluate the scientific merits of plans and measures proposed to ensure satisfaction and continuation of tribal treaty fishing rights in the Columbia River Basin and other tribal efforts to restore and manage fish and wildlife resources.

8) Compare the various plans, strategies, analytical tools and methods employed by the Council, NOAA Fisheries, the Columbia River Basin Indian Tribes, and others related to the management of Columbia River Basin fish and wildlife to identify areas of consensus, disagreement, uncertainty, and opportunity.  

In addition, the Council's 2000 Fish and Wildlife Program directs the Council to work with the ISAB to develop a series of reports to survey past research and summarize the state of the science in key areas -- "State of the Science" reviews.  This effort may include the use of reports, journals, surveys, and conferences.

To the extent allowed by time and resources, the ISAB is responsive to questions and issues posed by the region's management agencies and other parties.  Questions for consideration by the Board should be submitted to the ISAB's coordinator.  The Council, Tribes, and NOAA Fisheries have agreed to use the existing policy making bodies within the basin to review work plans, schedules, and products for the ISAB.  These forums can also generate ideas and issues for consideration by the ISAB.