Previous comments from the Provincial/Systemwide Review still apply. To repeat, "It is time for a thoughtful analysis of what the Fish and Wildlife Program wants to accomplish in gene conservation, whether or not cryopreservation continues to be a useful tool, and whether an ever-increasing commitment to this program is consistent with that goal." The project applies to a number of subbasins and to ESA planning in the Columbia River Basin, and should benefit focal species. The program could turn out to be critically important if ecosystem dysfunction issues can be addressed and "old" genes are wanted to expand the diversity in the extant population.

The proposal was clearly written and provided a strong technical and scientific background. There was evidence of excellent collaboration between the project and agencies, tribes, and universities. The project history is well described. Proponents and cooperators publish in the peer-reviewed literature and report at regional and national conferences.

The narrow, task-oriented objective that was provided should have been superceded by an overarching objective dealing with preserving genetic diversity in ESA-listed fishes. Reviewers would have appreciated more evidence that project personnel are able to keep up with all emerging technologies. Another important issue, not apparently addressed in the proposal, is when is active collection of sperm completed, and thus when is it appropriate for the proposal to shift into a lower budget maintenance mode. Also, if future monitoring indicates a significant reduction in sperm viability then there would be a need to rotate or update earlier collections. This should be addressed at some point in time.