The federal biologist who led the scientific review of splitting water between farmers and fish in the Klamath Basin, site of a massive salmon kill, is seeking whistleblower protection. National Marine Fisheries Service biologist Michael Kelly claims his team was overruled for political reasons, in violation of the Endangered Species Act.
Kelly alleges the final plan won´t provide sufficient water for threatened coho salmon. His supervisor says there was interest all the way to the White House. But he says there was no pressure to do anything that wasn´t supported by science. The agency´s assistant regional administrator says he´s satisfied the review followed proper procedures.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 5:34 pm