Salmon Vs. Dams RAFTS Draft 1

Driving Question: Should we remove Columbia River dams to restore Salmon populations?

What have I learned that could be used as evidence?

I went to Bonneville Dam. I have also read many articles on the internet about Salmon, and Dams. I think I have learned the most things in class. Another thing that i have learned is that Salmon have to travel through Dams on the columbia and it can take up to a couple weeks before the Salmon find their way out. When the Fish get into the ocean the eat a lot! The highest weaghing Salmon I heard of was 120+ pounds. The Salmon, when they are ready to spawn, they go back to the river. When they get to the Columbia River they will know it because of the smell or the non-salty water. The Salmon travel up the river against the strong currents, and through the Dams. If the Salmon do not get caught in fishing nets or get killed by fish eating animals, or get lost and die in the Dams they will get to their spawning grounds to lay their eggs. After the mother and father fish spawn... They die. They die because once they get to the river from the ocean their mouths just force shut and lock. Their mouths do not open for any reason at all. 

How might this evidence be used in the court case?

In Bonneville Dam I learned about how much Energy, and Electricity is made there. Its amazing! Theres only one problem though, Bonneville Dam, and all the other Dams are dieing, and thier number count is decresing rappidly. The Bonneville Dam has 10 Hydropowered Generaters. The Generaters spinned faster then u can even immagine! On the outside of the spinning Generaters, there is copper which makes the electricity. The spinning Generater is only 3/4 of an inch away from the copper. The closer the Generater is to the copper when it is spinning the more electricity u get. Since the spinning Generater is so close the the copper, it sets off maximum power, and thats just one of the Generaters. Since Theres 10 Generaters and only one gives u maximum power, imagine what you get with 10! We have more power then we need. So i think that we should get rid of some of the Dams. I say we do not need all the Dams so I think that some of them are just in the way.

Where did you locate this information?