This proposal is intended to link results of individual hydraulic, power generation, water quality, and particle tracking models (some of which have been in use for several years) to improve the forecasting/optimization abilities for anadromous fish. The investigators would validate the hydrodynamic and water quality models, and apply the models to the 2008 salmon migration period.

In addition, improved visualization techniques will be developed. This proposal does a good job of outlining the values of the individual models and the combined model suite. With the possible exception of the FINS model that puts them all together, the individual models have been tested and accepted in the basin. The linking of hydrodynamic and water quality models should begin the movement to a more dynamic management of the hydrosystem.

The proposal provides discrete systematic objectives, with reasonable timelines. Quantifying impacts of hydrosystem operation will decrease the uncertainty about the effects of flow augmentation and load following, and will help optimize spillway discharge, make tradeoffs in alternative volume allocations, and forecast alternative watershed conditions. The investigators will file project reports and, if appropriate, publish in peer-reviewed journals. Also, they will explore making their results available in near real time, which would be of great value to managers of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). However, they have not been very good about communicating their results in the past -- mainly a handful of project reports and proceedings.

The proposal could be improved by providing more details about the biological benefits and the adaptive management aspects. They talk about the need for a three-dimensional model but state they are going to use a two-dimensional model. Salmon are treated as passive particles, which can be problematic. There will be limits to how this can actually be applied.

Even with the limits of the fish components of this model, exploration of the physical components of the model will be useful. This effort should get better as time and knowledge progresses. For load following, they might need shorter duration than eight-hour periods. It is good that they are looking at this.

A better understanding of the dynamics of the hydrosystem and better control of temperature and dissolved gas enabled by these models would benefit both anadromous fish and non-focal species.