June 22, 2026 — Oregon fishery managers are scrambling after learning the Bonneville Power Administration is ending its share of funding for a key salmon program in the Lower Columbia River, a move state officials say threatens hatchery production and could ripple through commercial and recreational fishing.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said it was notified Thursday that BPA is terminating its share of funding for the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement Program effective Sept. 30, 2026. ODFW said the decision provides barely three months’ notice and carries major consequences for Oregon’s commercial and recreational fisheries.