AQUATIC SPECIES AND HABITATS

Continuing human activities threaten the highly prized aquatic resourc es of the interior Columbia basin. Precipitous declines in native spec ies, particularly Pacific salmon, and a large influx of introduced spe cies have radically altered the composition and distribution of native fishes. Fortunately, areas of relatively high aquatic integrity remai n, much of it on federally administered lands. These areas can provide a starting point for protecting and restoring aquatic resources throu ghout the basin if decisive action is taken.