The solution is as controversial as the problem - removing four dams on the Snake River. It could be the only way to save the falling fish numbers but it also impacts heavily on the 50,000 people who depend on the dams for their livelihoods. "The dams provide the power, the transport for the farm things and jobs", says one farmer who can't envision life without the dams.

On one side are the fishermen who want the dam removed. "In the 60s this river was one of the best fisheries I've ever seen". For them the equation is simple, to save the fish the dams must be removed. On the other side the farmers say removing the dams will be the end of them. "We have 6,000 acres in total, we irrigate 3,400", this farmer knows without the dam he has no hope.

However, the dilemma has brought a myriad of responses, a lot of them unexpected. Many seek a compromise. "I just think there has to be some other way", says one fisherman. He says it is impossible for him to support himself on current fish numbers but that he doesn't want his lot improved by sacrificing others. Similarly many farmers seem to understand the position of the fishermen. "This is a problem we know about, one we can solve", says one farmer. He knows it will cost him his farm but he still believes in removing the dams because it's the only way to save the fish.

At the root of this problem lies a great sadness. An awareness, on both sides, that whatever the outcome either the farmers or the fishermen face the end of their way of life. The solution is as controversial as the problem -- removing four dams on the Snake River. It could be the only way to save the falling fish numbers but it also impacts heavily on the 50,000 people who depend on the dams for their livelihoods. "The dams provide the power, the transport for the farm things and jobs", says one farmer who can't envision life without the dams. On one side are the fishermen who want the dam removed. "In the 60s this river was one of the best fisheries I've ever seen". For them the equation is simple, to save the fish the dams must be removed. On the other side the farmers say removing the dams will be the end of them. "We have 6,000 acres in total, we irrigate 3,400", this farmer knows without the river he has no hope. However, the dilemma has brought a myriad of responses, a lot of them unexpected. Many seek a compromise. "I just think there has to be some other way", says one fisherman. He says it is impossible for him to support himself on current fish numbers but that he doesn't want his lot improved by sacrificing others. Similarly many farmers seem to understand the position of the fishermen. "This is a problem we know about, one we can solve", says one farmer. He knows it will cost him his farm but he still believes in removing the dams because it's the only way to save the fish.

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