Yakama Nation Sockeye Reintroduction XIII

This project is phase 8 of an ongoing series of projects. The purpose of this project is to continue with sockeye reintroduction through continued transport of sockeye from Priest Rapids Dam to Lake Cle Elum. PCSRF funds are requested to provide staff and logistical support in 2021 and beyond to continue the essential elements of the sockeye reintroduction program: 1) the trap-and-haul project 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,



Specific tasks include:



Worksite #1: Lake Cle Elum



The adults collected at Priest Rapids Dam will be transported by truck and released into Lake Cle Elum located in Kittitas County, Washington.

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.