And for the first time in nine years, sockeye that came to adulthood in the ocean, rather than in hatcheries, will spawn in their native lakes. It's great news for scientists who have worked frantically to sustain the only run of Snake River sockeye. But they caution that none of the factors that caused a dramatic decline of the fish during the 20th century has been repaired. Rather, this year's increase results from a hatchery program that is no more than a life-support system. One of the five species of Pacific salmon, sockeye spawn in lakes and feeder creeks from Oregon to Alaska.
None faces longer odds against survival.
The Stanley Basin is 6,000 feet above sea level and framed by peaks that rise to 10,000 feet. Yet in the soil and trees are marine elements that were brought from the brine by the salmon. By analyzing those nutrients, and based on the amount of habitat available for spawning, scientists have estimated that at least 10,000 sockeye used to make the trip, and perhaps three times that number. The 4-pound fish, which turn crimson before they spawn and die, gave Redfish Lake its name. Historically, the fish spent the first year of their lives in the lakes, then rode the current down the Salmon River to the Snake River, then to the Columbia River, then to the Pacific, where most spent two years before reversing the journey.