Educational Media Reviews Online

Salmon play a significant role in defining the culture of the United States' Pacific Northwest. When the Salmon Runs Dry documents some contributing factors to the declining salmon runs in the Columbia River Basin and highlights the cultural tension that accompanies the region's effort to restore salmonid populations. By presenting varying passionate viewpoints of multiple stakeholders, the video effectively captures the complexity of salmon recovery. The interests of Native Americans, commercial fishermen, agriculture, sports fishermen, salmon advocates, barge operators, the Bonneville Power Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers are all represented.

When the Salmon Runs Dry is over ten years old and occasionally suffers from its age. Some of the statistics presented have changed slightly over time, but sadly ten years later, the video still remains exceptionally relevant. Discussions of climate, nutrient cycling and a greater emphasis on hatcheries would likely find their way into an updated version of the video. The videography and production are generally very good but some of the animations, particularly the whirling dam turbines, are an unnecessary distraction.

An emotional scene featuring a Yakama tribal member lamenting all that was lost when the Dalles Dam flooded Celilo Falls, a historic tribal fishing location, is quite compelling. When the Salmon Runs Dry concludes masterfully with six individuals representing competing economic and political interests sitting down to discuss salmon recovery over dinner. The tension and passion are palpable. This video is highly recommended for high school, college, and public libraries.