This project is to provide support through contract with DOE for one member (of 11) of the Independent Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB), for scientific advice to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Fish and Wildlife Program, the NOAA Fisheries' Endangered Species Act programs, and the Columbia River Tribes. The ISAB is the successor to the Independent Scientific Group called for in Measure 3.2B.1 of the Northwest Power Planning Council's 1994 Fish and Wildlife Program (FWP) to provide scientific advice to the Council. The ISAB has also been constituted to advise the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) on its Endangered Species Act responsibilities for the Columbia River basin and, more recently, the Tribes. The ISAB responds to specific questions posed by the Council, NOAA Fisheries, or the Tribes through formal requests. The ISAB meets regularly (usually monthly) to discuss issues and develop consensus reports. The individual supported by this project prepares drafts of reports within his area of expertise (salmon, mainstem habitat, temperature, dissolved gas, flow/survival, passage) for full ISAB discussion and consensus. He participates is discussion and consensus-building on reports drafted by others. The expected outcome is provision of timely and scientifically accurate advice to the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and the Tribes. Results are monitored by topical reports that respond to specific questions posed by the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and the Tribes. All ISAB reports are available on the Council's web site (
www.nwcouncil.org) under reports.
No requirement for an annual progress report.