A federal judge ordered the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Bureau of Reclamation to consult with tribes about a water management plan for the Klamath River.

In a 16-page decision, U.S. District Judge Saundra B. Armstrong said the agencies must implement a water plan immediately instead of waiting five years. She said the government must ensure the threatened coho salmon receive 100 percent of the water they need.

The judge also ordered NMFS and BOR to consult with the Hoopa Valley Tribe and the Yurok Tribe, both of northern California, on a new biological opinion for the river.

The tribes, fishermen and other groups sued the Bush administration's plan to deny 100 percent of water to fish until 2010. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the plan, saying it wasn't supported by science.

Get the Story:
Klamath River Salmon Water Plan to Start (AP 3/28)
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Judge Rules for Fish in Klamath River Dispute (The Los Angeles Times 3/28)
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Court Order:
Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations v. US (March 27, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Earthjustice - http://www.earthjustice.orgRHoopa Valley Tribe - http://www.hoopa-nsn.gov
Yurok Tribe - http://www.yuroktribe.org

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