Quote:
Originally Posted by JSH
The tribes and courts have a different opinion. The federal government is obligated by law to ensure salmon runs into perpetuity.
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... and the reason is because we view salmon as being important to our environment.
Humanity uniquely defines values, and therefore what constitutes a "good" environment is entirely up to us.
The Columbia river averages 16.6 Terra Watts of renewable electricity; enough to power 9.5 million homes. Those dams provide flood control and a river navigable by barges for shipping goods.
Collectively we've decided that provides a good environment despite fewer salmon than historically available.
There are a few (usually hypocrites) that believe any alteration of nature beyond what can be accomplished with bare hands is defiling a pure and perfectly benevolent Gaia. I'm willing to be convinced of that religion, but first go out into the wilderness and live only on what nature and your own sweat can render, and after a year come back and extol the virtues of primitive living. Bring back some of that hand-caught salmon because food is always an effective persuasive tactic.