Site selection can significantly affect biological performance and economic costs and is critical in determining the ultimate success of an enhancement facility. Bioengineering reconnaissance should start with systematic and extensive surveys of potential hatchery sites. Sites showing the most promise should then be subjected to more intensive field investigations. The validity of all key factors and assumptions used in the decision-making process should be regularly reviewed, because these factors actually control the site-selection process. In addition, the differing approaches and knowledge bases used by biological and engineering specialists can result in serious communication problems.