Northern California’s wildlife officials report a loss of 830,000 salmon fry in the Klamath River due to gas bubble disease, caused by pressure changes.
The incident occurred as the young fish passed through the Iron Gate Dam tunnel, announced the California Fish and Wildlife Department on Monday.
Fall Creek Fish Hatchery Tragedy
This tragic event unfolded shortly after the release of the fry from the Fall Creek Fish Hatchery on February 26.
The hatchery, a $35 million project aimed at bolstering salmon populations in the Klamath River once it is fully undammed, marked its first release with high hopes for the future. However, the mortality rate among the released fry remains unclear, though officials have termed it as high.
In spite of the unfortunate result, there is no evidence suggesting any issues related to the quality of water in the river, which extends over an expansive distance of almost 270 miles, traversing from Oregon to Northern California.
California Fish and Wildlife’s Response
Furthermore, downstream populations of yearling coho and Chinook salmon appear to be healthy, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
In response to this devastating loss, the California Fish and Wildlife Department has announced a change in release protocols. Until the removal of the dam and tunnel later this year, all future releases will be conducted downstream of the affected area.
The Klamath River, once renowned as the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast, has witnessed a decline in salmon populations over the years, largely attributed to dam constructions.
The recent incident serves as yet another poignant reminder of the detrimental impact of these barriers on the region’s iconic salmon runs, lamented the CDFW.
As efforts continue to restore the Klamath River to its former glory, this heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for comprehensive conservation measures to safeguard the delicate balance of ecosystems and preserve the precious biodiversity of our waterways.
