Scientists working on the recovery of endangered coho salmon in northern California appreciate success even if it comes in small doses. Field biologists from the California Department of Fish and Game recently reported that the fall of 2010 produced the largest number of returning coho in tributaries of the Russian River in more than a decade.
Prior to the launch of a recovery program in 2001, the number of returning adult coho salmon averaged less than four per year. These low numbers were the catalyst for the Russian River Coho Salmon Captive Broodstock Program, a recovery effort in which offspring from hatchery-reared adults are released into the river system. This past season, biologists estimate that more than 190 adult coho returned to the Russian River system, beginning with early storms in October and peaking in December.
“We are hopeful that coho salmon released through this program will continue to return to the Russian River system in increasing numbers and begin to establish self-sustaining populations,” says Manfred Kittel, Coho Salmon Recovery Coordinator for DFG’s Bay Delta Region. “The program is a cornerstone of coho salmon recovery efforts in central California, but the number of fish observed this year must be seen in perspective. A healthy coho population should number in the tens of thousands in California.”
Coho salmon abundance has declined dramatically statewide in the past few years. Biologists believe that additional captive breeding efforts and other focused recovery measures will likely have to be instituted to prevent widespread extinction of coho salmon in central California.
Coho salmon in central California are listed as an endangered species under both the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts. It is against the law to catch them anywhere in the state.
The Russian River Coho Salmon Captive Broodstock Program is a broad coalition of government agencies, scientists and private landowners dedicated to bringing back productive salmon runs. Its members include DFG, which manages the hatchery component at the Don Clausen Warm Springs Hatchery, University of California Sea Grant Extension, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Sonoma County Water Agency.
Doug Orr says
While on a trip to Westminster Woods environmental education camp in 2001 or 2002 a few students spotted some salmon in Dutch Bill Creek ( a Russian Tributary past Monte Rio). Since then the coho have been on the rebound and the camp has been working on habitat restoration projects and has been getting the kids inviolved each week during the “Make a difference day” portion of the trip. This has been great and itr is nice to see the success they are having.
JD says
Very cool!
tom says
JD,
The caption on the photo pretty much says it….. the Russian River was loaded with Silvers, as we called them, in the ’60s and even into the early ’70s. I started fishing in the Russian with my grandfather around 1965, and the Silver fishing was terrific. Those fish were aggressive, acrobatic and numerous. We didn’t hook up on every cast, but there was enough action to keep everybody interested. With this latest information, it’s good to see that Silvers are on a long overdue rebound. With the influx of wineries along the river and spawning creeks, another problem has evolved, and that is water rights. Wineries are pumping ground water for frost protection, and irrigation of the vines. Sometimes to the point of causing the creeks to dry up in low water years, and in doing so killing Silver and Steelhead fingerlings and smolts in those waters. Quivera Winery in the Dry Creek Valley is working with Trout Unlimited and the DFG to promote a healthy environment for the fish on Wine Creek that runs through their property, with success. So it can benefit both sides.