Yakama Nation Sockeye Reintroduction XI

The purpose of this project was to continue with sockeye reintroduction through continued transport of sockeye from Priest Rapids Dam to Lake Cle Elum.



Project funds provided staff and logistical support to continue the essential elements of the sockeye reintroduction program, specifically the trap-and-haul effort that transports adult sockeye salmon from Priest Rapids Dam for release into Lake Cle Elum that occurs annually during the sockeye migration from the ocean in June and July. Approximately 10,000 sockeye were transported from Priest Rapids Dam to Lake CleElum during 2024.



Significant obstacles to this project work plan did occur. River conditions in the lower Yakima River and at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia rivers have become, and continue to be an impediment to the success of the reintroduction program. Specifically, elevated summer water temperatures, low dissolved DO levels, and the abundance of avian and invasive fish predators represent a substantial challenge to achieving the YN goal of developing a self-sustaining natural spawning population of sockeye salmon in the basin. For the past ~10 years, elevated water temperature and an associated thermal barrier to migration have been the cause of significant mortality, wandering and straying, and delayed entry into The Yakima River. Under the status quo, the need to translocate broodstock from Priest Rapids Dam on an annual basis will be the largest source of spawners for the reintroduction program. There are myriad interagency efforts among dozens of stakeholders that are being developed and implemented to alleviate the concerns regarding safe return of Cle Elum origin adult fish, including: predator suppression, water flow management under SOAC (systems operation advisor committee), and plans for removal of the Bateman Island causeway. The sockeye reintroduction program and its dedicated program staff are directly involved in these and other remedial actions that will be necessary to insure program success.

The benefit of this project is to reintroduce sockeye back into its historical areas within the Yakima River Basin starting first with Lake Cle Elum. The YN views this project as not only returning sockeye to its historical range, but also as a major part of rebuilding the ecosystem as a whole. In addition to enhancing the diversity, spatial distribution, and resiliency of the aggregate Columbia River sockeye stock, this reintroduction restores the well-described and broad benefits of marine-derived nutrients to a myriad of aquatic and terrestrial species in the upper Yakima watershed, including ESA-listed bull trout and summer steelhead. Removing introduced Mackinaw from the lake is also a critical part of restoring a self-sustaining sockeye population and natural ecosystem function.