Blocked from these waters for decades due to dam construction, over 4,500 juveniles are being released from various locations in Lake Roosevelt, the Spokane River, Hangman Creek and below Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph dams.

 

 

It’s part of an “outmigration” research study. Over 3,900 of the juveniles are being fitted with PIT tags, and over 700 with acoustic tags. Tag information will allow researchers to evaluate their behavior and survival as they migrate downstream and, for a lucky few, upstream 2-3 years later. The research team includes the U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Coeur d’Alene, Spokane and Colville tribes, and the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUTs).

 

Big picture, this is the beginning of implementing the 21-year Phase 2 salmon reintroduction Implementation Plan introduced by the UCUTs last fall. Partnerships with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and others are key to achieving the ultimate goal of reintroducing a sustainable salmon population to our region.

 

At release sites, prayers and ceremonies were offered for the juveniles as they journey downstream. Lots of people are rooting for them and learning from them.