Winter-run chinook salmon are returning to Northern California's McCloud River for the first time in nearly a century. These fish have been endangered since 1994 and faced severe population declines during California's drought between 2012 and 2016. The drought caused excessive water temperatures and oxygen shortages, resulting in the loss of up to 98% of eggs. Recent sightings of adult salmon near Ash Camp indicate successful spawning behavior. Reintroduction efforts led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and partners have facilitated this recovery, including incubating and transporting juvenile salmon back to their native waters.
Wildlife officials confirmed that Winter-run chinook salmon have returned to Northern California's McCloud River, marking a significant milestone after nearly a century of absence.
The drought from 2012 to 2016 drastically affected chinook salmon populations, with 95 to 98% of eggs and recently hatched salmon dying due to increased water temperature and reduced oxygen levels.
The CDFW confirmed the sighting of adult chinook salmon in Ash Camp, including a female exhibiting spawning behavior, suggesting successful reintroduction efforts.
The comeback of winter-run chinook salmon is attributed to collaboration among agencies, including the Winnemem Wintu Tribe and NOAA Fisheries, to incubate and transport juvenile salmon.
#endangered-species #winter-run-chinook-salmon #reintroduction-efforts #mccloud-river #california-drought
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