Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Response for the Continued Operation and Maintenance of the Willamette Valley System

December 30, 2024

On December 26th, NOAA Fisheries completed section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bonneville Power Administration on the operation and maintenance of the Willamette Valley System. NOAA Fisheries determined the proposed action jeopardizes Upper Willamette River Chinook salmon and Upper Willamette River steelhead, and would adversely modify their designated critical habitat. The jeopardy Biological Opinion includes a Reasonable and Prudent Alternative that addresses water quality; fish passage; habitat restoration; hatchery operation and maintenance; and monitoring.