Ed Connor, an aquatic biologist from Northwestern utility Seattle City Light, has been selected for the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council, HydroWorld.com has learned.
Connor -- a 12-year employee at Seattle City Light -- will join the Puget Sound's Recovery Implementation Technical Team (RITT), which is a regional advisory group that provides scientific support and guidance for salmon recovery.
"This is a key team working on salmon recovery in the Puget Sound," Connor says. "It's an honor to be on it."
Seattle City Light says Connor's efforts while at the utility have included conservation, restoration and research projects -- particularly along Washington's Skagit River, upon which the utility operates three hydroelectric projects.
RITT says it hopes Connor’s knowledge in river flow management and recovery and research work with Chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout bring a new perspective to RITT.
Connor's appointment lasts four years, during which time he will help carry out monitoring actions and salmon recovery plans within the Puget Sound.
RITT then uses that information to guide the Salmon Recovery Council, watershed groups, state and federal agencies, tribes and conservation groups working within the Puget Sound area.
Seattle City Light serves nearly 1 million residents in the Seattle area and uses hydropower to provide about 88% of its electricity, according to the utility's website.
