Fish versus Power
An Environmental History of the Fraser River

An environmental history of the Fraser River exploring attempts to dam it for power.

Matthew D. Evenden (Author)

9780521830997, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 May 2004

328 pages, 10 b/w illus. 10 maps 5 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.54 kg

"Evenden approaches the story of hydroelectric power from a fresh angle. [...] Unlike many other environemtnal histories, Evenden's book offers a relatively hopeful tale, one where a balance between technological progress and preservation is struck." National Post, Canada

Fish versus Power is an environmental history of the Fraser River (British Columbia) and the attempts to dam it for power and to defend it for salmon. Amid contemporary debates over large dam development and declines in fisheries, this book offers a case study of a river basin where development decisions did not ultimately dam the river, but rather conserved its salmon. Although the case is local, its implications are global as Evenden explores the transnational forces that shaped the river, the changing knowledge and practices of science, and the role of environmental change in shaping environmental debate. The Fraser is the world's most productive salmon river; it is also a large river with enormous waterpower potential. Very few rivers in the developed world have remained undammed. On the Fraser, however, fish - not dams - triumphed, and this book seeks to explain why.

List of tables, figures, photographs and maps
List of abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. 'A rock of disappointment'
2. Damming the tributaries
3. Remaking hells gate
4. Pent-up energy
5. The power of aluminium
6. Fish versus power
7. The politics of science
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], The environment [RN], Fisheries & related industries [KNAF]