The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is the state water resources agency. Ecology has the authority to hold water rights in trust for in-stream flows for fish and the agency plays a central role in water acquisition activities in the state. Ecology has the Washington Water Acquisition Program, a voluntary initiative to increase stream flows in 16 salmon-critical basins experiencing chronic water shortages. Water-right acquisitions are part of the state's overall water resource management. The initiative is described in "The Washington Water Acquisition Program: Finding Water to Restore Streams." It is a strategic and consistent approach which will ensure a greater likelihood that water acquisitions funded by public monies have the highest potential for long-term success. The Ecology website is available at www.ecy.wa.gov.