RM&E reporting: Summary

Research, monitoring, and evaluation (RM&E) is the process by which BPA assesses whether Fish & Wildlife Program investments are achieving their intended biological outcomes.

BPA funds RM&E activities across the Columbia River Basin to track the status and trends of fish and wildlife populations, measure the effectiveness of habitat and other restoration actions, and evaluate overall program performance. Data collected through RM&E contractual work efforts informs investment decisions and supports adaptive management: the iterative process of implementing actions, evaluating results, and making adjustments based on what the data show. BPA's RM&E approach is guided by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Fish & Wildlife Program and involves collaborations with fish and wildlife managers, project sponsors, NOAA Fisheries, and other regional partners.