Sockeye Populations of the Elwha River - Implications for Recovery

Removal of two dams on the Elwha River, Washington, will begin in the fall of 2011.  Prior to construction of the dams, the Elwha River supported eight salmonid species, including sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka).  The construction of Elwha Dam in 1913 eliminated anadromous access to Lake Sutherland, resulting in the immediate extirpation of anadromous sockeye from the watershed.  Lake Sutherland continues to harbor a unique population of kokanee salmon, or landlocked sockeye.  Recent evidence available through the operation of a resistance board weir below Elwha Dam has found  that adult sockeye of unknown origin continue to enter the river. With removal of the two Elwha River dams, restoration of the ananadromous sockeye population may be achieved either through resumption of anadromy in the resident kokanee population or straying from nearby systems.