For the first time in over six decades, coho salmon have returned to their historic spawning grounds in the upper Klamath River Basin. This remarkable event follows the recent removal of several dams, including the Iron Gate Dam, which had blocked their migration since the 1960s. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now witnessing the fruits of extensive restoration efforts, marking a significant step in the recovery of threatened salmon populations and the revitalization of their natural habitat.
A Momentous Milestone
On November 13, seven coho salmon entered the Fall Creek Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County. This hatchery, located on a tributary formerly inaccessible due to dams, now offers new hope for the species’ revival. Environmental scientists at CDFW see this return as a crucial achievement.
Largest Dam Removal Project in U.S. History
The Klamath River project is the largest dam removal in U.S. history. It involved years of advocacy from Native tribes and marks a monumental achievement in ecological restoration, reopening over 400 miles of river for migratory fish like salmon and steelhead trout.
Restoration of Tribal Lands
With the removal of the dams, 2,200 acres of land that had been submerged for a century are now being restored. This significant effort aims to revive natural ecosystems and provide sustainable environments for both wildlife and tribal communities.
Coho vs. Chinook Returns
Coho salmon are following the path of Chinook salmon, which had already begun returning. The quick adaptation of both species signals a promising future for the basin’s ecosystem recovery. According to Eric Jones, CDFW’s Senior Environmental Scientist, this rapid return demonstrates the salmon’s resilience and the success of dam removal efforts.
Tracking and Genetic Testing
Of the seven returning coho, two were identified as hatchery-raised due to missing adipose fins. The other five are wild, indicating natural repopulation. These fish are currently being tested for genetic diversity to ensure a healthy, varied population for future generations.
Threatened Status and Spawning Season
Coho salmon in the Klamath Basin are listed as a threatened species under state and federal laws. Unlike fall-run Chinook, coho salmon typically spawn later, in late fall and winter. The ongoing efforts aim to protect and bolster their populations as they return to historic spawning grounds.
Fall Creek Hatchery’s Role
The state-of-the-art Fall Creek Fish Hatchery, opened this year, aims to raise 75,000 coho annually. This facility plays a pivotal role in restoring the species and ensuring that salmon can thrive in their natural habitats post-dam removal.
Major Chinook Release
Last week, CDFW released 270,000 fall-run Chinook yearlings into Fall Creek. These fish, measuring 4 to 6 inches, were released strategically at dusk to improve survival rates. Their larger size and the cool fall conditions increase their chances of returning as adults.
Diverse Release Strategies
CDFW employs various release strategies to mimic natural migration patterns. By releasing yearling Chinook at different times, they simulate the fish’s natural life cycles, increasing the chances of survival and successful spawning.
Hatchery and Natural Fish Balance
Maintaining genetic diversity is critical to salmon recovery. Hatchery fish are closely monitored to prevent over-reliance on captive populations, and the identification process ensures that natural-origin fish play a significant role in repopulation.
Community and Tribal Involvement
Restoring the Klamath Basin is a collaborative effort involving state agencies, federal partners, tribes, and non-governmental organizations. This broad coalition monitors salmon movements and works together to protect critical habitats, ensuring long-term success.
Monitoring Efforts Across the Basin
Multiple agencies and tribes are monitoring salmon movements throughout the basin, including newly accessible areas. Jenny and Shovel creeks, previously submerged under reservoirs, are now prime areas for observing salmon activity. Early counts have recorded over 300 adult Chinook and a Pacific lamprey in Jenny Creek alone.
Expanding Habitat and Partnerships
The work aligns with California’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future. This plan focuses on removing migration barriers, restoring habitats, modernizing hatcheries, and forming strong partnerships. These steps are critical in ensuring the long-term survival of salmon species amidst climate challenges.
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