The best available science for the management of anadromous salmonids in the Columbia River Basin

Reference to the "best available science" is popular among administrators and scientists responsible for the management of anadromous salmonids in the Columbia River Basin. Regional recovery documents explicitly call for the consideration of the best available science during the formulation of policies, but they fail to elaborate on what this phrase means. In the absence of such clarification, the definition of what counts as science, how to recognize the best science from the rest, and a determination of how much of it is available invites a wide array of interpretations. Two possible remedies are proposed to alleviate this ambiguity. The first is to leave this phrase intact, but also to append an explicit definition of what each term means. This should establish sideboards for what is acceptable when compiling scientific information. The second remedy is to discontinue the impulsive use of the phrase best available science and select alternative language that more accurately reflects legislative intent. This refinement process will naturally result in other phrases tailored to the specific preferences and requirements of each situation. A decision to accept any of these alternatives may profoundly affect how science influences the management of anadromous salmonids in the Columbia River Basin.