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King County biologists report the strongest return of Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon in a decade, a possible breakthrough after a near extinction
Summary
Nov. 26, 2024: At least 6,800 adult kokanee salmon have returned from Lake Sammamish to their spawning ground this season following an eight-year period when an average of less than 400 kokanee returned. King County biologists say the sharp increase is the result of several actions that include restoring access to historic habitat.
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King County biologists today reported the strongest return of adult kokanee salmon in the Lake Sammamish watershed in a decade, a potential breakthrough for the freshwater species after nearly going extinct a few years ago.
At least 6,800 adult kokanee salmon have returned from the lake to their spawning ground this season after 10 years of alarmingly low returns, including just 19 salmon returning to spawn during the 2017-2018 season. The strong return occurred six years after King County Executive Dow Constantine directed the Department of Natural Resources and Parks to enact emergency actions recommended by partners to prevent the possible extinction of a salmon population that is important to the region’s history and habitat.
It is the second promising development for the native species this season. King County and its recovery partners – including the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe – in October released a record-high 12,000 fry near the middle of Lake Sammamish.
"Six years after I announced emergency actions to help ensure the survival of Lake Sammamish kokanee, we’re seeing promising signs for a lasting recovery,” said Executive Constantine. “From the record number of young salmon released into the lake to the dramatic rise in the number of adult salmon returning to their historic spawning grounds, we’re seeing the progress of hard work by a dedicated team."
In addition to emergency actions, experts credit the five modern box culverts installed in streams that flow into Lake Sammamish, including one underneath King County Parks’ East Lake Sammamish Trail that removed a barrier to Ebright Creek. The City of Sammamish removed another barrier to Ebright Creek by installing a new culvert underneath East Lake Sammamish Parkway.
Executive Constantine has made restoring access to historic habitat an environmental priority of his administration. He included $9 million in his proposed 2025 budget – approved last week by the King County Council – to maintain the accelerated pace that is on track to restore access to more than 300 miles of upstream habitat within a decade.
One of the most successful emergency actions so far is keeping young kokanee in a controlled setting for an extended period – as part of a hatchery supplementation program – and then releasing the fry during the fall when the fish are larger, the lake water temperatures are cooler, and the oxygen levels are higher.
In addition to being culturally and historically significant, the freshwater salmon population is important to the watershed’s biodiversity with a distinct genetic signature shaped by Lake Sammamish’s unique characteristics.
“Seeing positive results for both young and adult kokanee salmon weeks apart inspires optimism for this iconic species,” said John Taylor, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. “I’m grateful for our employees and partners whose steadfast commitment to salmon recovery made these milestones possible.”
Multimedia
- PHOTO GALLERY: Strong returns for Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon
- VIDEO: Removing barriers to historic habitat
- TRACKS: An interactive map of environmental stewardship
Resources
Quotes
Six years after I announced emergency actions to help ensure the survival of Lake Sammamish kokanee, we’re seeing promising signs for a lasting recovery. From the record number of young salmon released into the lake to the dramatic rise in the number of adult salmon returning to their historic spawning grounds, we’re seeing the progress of hard work by a dedicated team.
Seeing positive results for both young and adult kokanee salmon weeks apart inspires optimism for this iconic species. I’m grateful for our employees and partners whose steadfast commitment to salmon recovery made these milestones possible.
Contact
Doug Williams, Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-477-4543
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