The Experimental Reintroduction of Sockeye Salmon into Skaha Lake

Federal, provincial and Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) agencies are working together to conserve, protect and restore indigenous salmon populations to the Okanagan Basin.   Since 1997, fisheries experts from these and other agencies have focused on developing a comprehensive implementation and monitoring program for re-introducing sockeye salmon to their historic al range which extended into Okanagan Lake, and rebuilding abundance.  The Okanagan River sockeye, the larger of two remaining stocks in the Columbia Basin, is at risk of extinction without an effective fisheries and aquatic management plan. 

A precautionary, step-wise approach guides the sockeye reintroduction process, which includes:  1) a comprehensive risk assessment, 2) a large scale fisheries management experiment using adaptive management principles, and 3) a standard protocol for program operation, monitoring, and evaluation.  A three-year study which assessed for risks of disease and introduction of exotic species, in addition to evaluating habitat constraints and opportunities was completed in 2003. This information was critical in planning an experimental, multi-year work plan required to address key research questions and develop performance measures.

Key questions include (not limited to) :

1. What impacts will sockeye have on existing kokanee stocks?

2. What components of the food web and physical environment most strongly control the production of sockeye and kokanee?

3. What are the effects on the existing Osoyoos sockeye population?

 In 2004, the 12-year experiment to reintroduce sockeye into Skaha Lake and address both scientific and management goals related to the conservation, protection, and restoration of Okanagan River sockeye stocks was started.  Following six years of implementation and monitoring, the ONA is pleased to present the key components of the program and our learning outcomes, to date.