The coho salmon population returning to the Methow River Basin reached record numbers this fall, according to a recent article in the Methow Valley News. The Yakama Nation, who is responsible for the administration of the coho re-introduction program, recorded 2,432 fish passing through Wells Dam this fall. This exceeded the previous record of 600 fish.
The fish returning are bigger and better, too. Through their program, the tribe has developed a localized broodstock that can better handle the challenge of migration through nine dams. The broodstock originates from returns to the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery and Wells Dam.
With spawning comes rotting carcasses. The carcasses provide food for their own young, other fish, eagles, vegetation and mammals. Biologists will distribute the carcasses of hatchery-spawned coho along the basin’s waters.
Although program managers have more work ahead in the coho re-establishment effort, this season brings hope and promise for the future.
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Posted on December 27th, 2007 by admin
Filed under: environment and conservation, on the water
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