Project goal is rearing a portion (100250K) of the total annual summer chinook production (1M) to yearling size is expected to improve adult return rates, thereby enhancing our ability to collect…

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation will rear 100,000-250,000 summer Chinook salmon to yearling size under a $296,424 Project Grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Funded through NOAA's Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Pacific Salmon Treaty Program, the project aims to improve adult return rates and enhance the ability to collect local broodstock by rearing a portion of annual summer Chinook production to yearling size. Initially implemented at an experimental level, the yearling production program seeks to allow the Yakama Nation to become independent of out-of-basin brood sources and provide prey for Southern Resident killer whales. If risk/benefit data indicates success, a greater proportion of subyearling production will transition to yearling rearing. The 18-month grant period runs from July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023.

Project goal is rearing a portion (100250K) of the total annual summer chinook production (1M) to yearling size is expected to improve adult return rates, thereby enhancing our ability to collect local broodstock with the eventual goal of allowing this program to become independent of out of basin brood source, and provide quality prey items for southern resident killer whales. The yearling production will be implemented initially at an experimental level. If successful, a greater proportion of subyearling production will be transitioned to a yearling program if risk/benefit data indicates this management strategy is successful.