Washington leaders unveil innovative fish passage to revive Yakima River Basin salmon

CLE ELUM, Wash. — State, local and tribal leaders gathered Wednesday at the Cle Elum Dam to celebrate the reintroduction of sockeye salmon to the Yakima River Basin and mark the completion of a unique juvenile fish passage facility aimed at solving a longstanding ecological issue.

The Yakima River Basin has seen declining fish populations over the years, partly due to dam constructions that hindered fish migration for spawning. According to officials, the newly completed Helix chamber is a one-of-a-kind solution to that problem.

Using a tiered system with multiple levels, officials can adjust which entry point the fish are coming through as the water rises and falls. This allows fish previously trapped by the lake's low water levels to move freely into the river.

The fish are guided through the facility via a waterslide-like structure, ensuring a safe exit downstream.

Governor Jay Inslee highlighted the cultural and economic importance of restoring fish populations, especially for the Yakama Nation.

"As the salmon go, so go we, and we are now going to give them a shot," Inslee said.

In addition to the juvenile passage, plans are underway for a facility to collect adult fish and transport them upstream via a truck, further aiding their migration and spawning efforts.

Leaders celebrated the beginning stages of that project with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday.

"That’s the largest single reintroduction of sockeye habitat in the lower 48 states right here," Haaland said.

Haaland announced the Bureau of Reclamation is investing an additional $16 million to go toward similar projects across the Yakima River Basin.

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