Questions & answers

About fish

Klamath Falls Herald and News

April 4, 2008

Page C4

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Salmon fishermen display their catch at the Link River rapids in 1891

   Q: Who would benefit from the return of salmon? 

   A: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife District Fish Biologist Roger Smith said the benefits of salmon and other anadromous (able to migrate from salt to fresh water) fish returning to the Klamath River run the gamut of the ecosystem, fish to people. The department’s study on coldwater fishing found recreational trout fishing contributed as much as $8 million. But some area species, such as the bull trout, which evolved with salmon, are now listed as threatened, which makes the fishery’s recreational use tenuous. The return of salmon is as important for the tribes as others, not only for commercial and recreational fishing, but for other reasons. Salmon carcasses provide a much-needed link in the food chain for other species harvested recreationally, for instance. 

   Larry Dunsmoor, research biologist for the Klamath Tribes, said the return of salmon is good for anyone who likes fish and rivers. “People who like to fish will, at some point, see a thriving steelhead and Chinook salmon fishery south of Keno,” he said. 

   Beyond the return of migratory species, which is fairly certain with dam removal, Dunsmoor said, the dam removal could help to encourage a resident trout fishery between Keno and the J.C. Boyle Reservoir. That fishery is already outstanding, he said, but passage problems created by the dam diminish the fishing. 

   Dunsmoor focused his comments on the improvements to fisheries below Keno because those were the most certain for rapid improvements. He was also optimistic about the return of coho salmon above the lake. It would just take more time for those fisheries to return. 

   Chuck Bonham, Trout Unlimited legal counsel, said returning salmon to their historical habitat in the upper Basin would improve the overall health of the species. Healthy fisheries would mean fewer regulatory restrictions, he said. 

   Salmon in Klamath Falls would create business growth in tourism and recreation. “After salmon return and become healthy again, imagine sportsmen and women traveling from around the country to match their rods and skills against these legendary fish in a majestic setting. 

   “Of course, there is no question returning salmon would benefit coastal fishing communities and economies in California and Oregon .” 

   Q: What does the science say on the issue of whether anadromous fish came up into the Upper Klamath Basin ? Some say salmon never got this far; some concede they may have gone as far as Keno; others say farther. What should we expect “normal” to be like? 

   A: “The information is overwhelming, and this matter does not deserve to be called an ‘issue’ simply because some people refuse to acknowledge the well-documented history,” said Klamath Tribes attorney Bud Ullman. He said salmon historically ran up at least the Sprague and Williamson rivers. Photographs, Indian and non-Indian histories, anthropological and ethno-historical work, and other sources all reach that conclusion, he said. There is a good compilation of the available relevant information published in the scientific journal “Fisheries,” April 2005, Vol. 30, No. 4. 

   The agreement is very flexible in the species, timing and location of restored fisheries because such things are very difficult to predict with specificity, he said. 

   Siskiyou County Commissioner Jim Cook said he has not seen any reports of salmon in the upper Basin. “I have heard some agency people say that there was but I don’t know where they got their information.” 

   Phil Detrich, field supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said there is some controversy, but also said there is evidence salmon were found in the Sprague River and that initial studies indicate the potential exists for successful salmon reintroduction. 

   Irma Lagonmarsino from the National Marine Fisheries Service in Arcata , Calif. , said there is convincing evidence salmon traveled upstream to Upper Klamath Lake . 

   Q: If the Iron Gate hatchery, which supplies a large percentage of salmon to the Klamath River , is eliminated, isn’t it likely there would be a decrease in salmon? 

   A: Phil Detrich, field supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said studies indicate the dams and reservoirs worsen water quality, so dam removal could improve water quality, which will benefit salmon. Habitat improvement along Upper Klamath Lake could also help. Troy Fletcher, who formerly served as the Yurok Tribe’s fisheries director and is a former tribal executive director, is serving as a policy analyst. He said Yuroks have a history of experience on the Klamath, and he believes “we have a good handle on flows that are necessary” for fish-related issues. Fletcher said declines in fish populations are well documented and something he’s seen in his lifetime. 

   “The quality of the water is deteriorating because of the dams,” and he believes salmon populations will increase with water quality improvements. 

   Ullman said the hatchery operation will most likely be moved. Details regarding the location and size of the hatchery have yet to be determined. The new hatchery will likely be operated in a manner that lessens the impacts of hatchery fish on wild fish. 

   “Remember that with dam removal, extensive habitat areas will be re-opened to salmon, and conditions in the Klamath River will improve, so salmon production should increase.”

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