Associated Press - September 17, 2009 5:24 PM ET
HAGERMAN, Idaho (AP) - Federal fish biologists say a decline in water flows from natural springs at a southern Idaho hatchery could one day mean fewer steelhead returning to the Northwest.
Officials at the Hagerman National Fish Hatchery say the water woes are forcing them to cut back by about 7% the number of steelhead smolts introduced each year into the Salmon River.
The Times News reports that the water problems at the hatchery could be an indicator of more troubles in the future.
The hatchery relies on cool spring water that comes from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. The massive underground reservoir is the subject of state efforts to replenish it after decades of irrigation have lowered its levels, and thus reduced flows from the springs.
Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com
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