clipped from www.dailyastorian.com

12/26/2008 11:21:00 AM

The EPA warns that climate change threatens Oregon’s cold-water fish populations

By Michael Burkett

East Oregonian Publishing Group

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's report on global warming

contains some dire predictions for Oregon's time-honored reputation as a Mecca for coldwater fishermen.

Released July 17, the report warns that the time may come when salmon- and trout-fishing trips are no longer much of an option for residents or visitors. EPA scientists further caution that warming temperatures could lead to a 50- to 100-percent decline in Chinook salmon returns in some areas, since salmon require cool water and are extremely sensitive to increasing temperatures.

Once Oregon is hit by a perfect storm comprised of "a little less snow pack, lower summer water flows and higher summer temperatures, bam! We'll go over a threshold, and suddenly we won't have salmon or steelhead or trout," Martin said.