The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe celebrated a historic moment on October 10, when they opened their first fishery on a free-flowing Elwha River in more than a century.
The tribe, in agreement with Olympic National Park and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, was able to fish for coho salmon for tribal and subsistence use.
The fishery marked a milestone in the recovery of the river and its salmon runs after the removal of two dams that blocked the river for decades.
A long-awaited return of the salmon
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
The Elwha River, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, was once home to abundant runs of salmon and steelhead that supported the culture and economy of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
However, the construction of two hydroelectric dams in the early 1900s cut off access to nearly 90 miles of river and tributary habitat, or more than 90% of the river.
The dams also altered the natural flow and sediment regime of the river, affecting its ecological health and diversity.
In 1992, Congress passed the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act, which authorized the removal of both dams as the only way to fully restore the river and its fish populations.
The removal process began in 2011 and was completed by 2014, making it the largest dam removal project ever undertaken.
Since then, the river has been gradually restoring its natural course and functions, creating new habitats and spawning grounds for various species of fish and wildlife.
One of the most anticipated outcomes of the dam removal was the return of the salmon to their ancestral waters.
The tribe, along with federal and state agencies, has been monitoring and managing the recovery of the fish populations, which have shown signs of resilience and adaptation.
Some species, such as chinook, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon, have been observed spawning in areas that were previously inaccessible due to the dams.
Other species, such as coho and steelhead, have been slower to recolonize the upper reaches of the river, but have been increasing in numbers and distribution over time.
The tribe has been waiting patiently for a run of salmon healthy enough to be fished.
In 2023, they finally got their chance.
The tribe announced that they would open a ceremonial and subsistence fishery for coho salmon on the Elwha River in October, with a quota of 400 coho out of a total run of 7,000.
This was the first time that the tribe was able to fish on a free-flowing Elwha River since before the dams were built.
The opening of the fishery was more than just a harvest opportunity for the tribe. It was also a celebration of their culture and heritage, which are deeply connected to the river and its salmon.
The tribe held a ceremony before starting the fishery on October 10, with songs, prayers, and speeches that honored their ancestors, their treaty rights, and their relationship with the river.
The ceremony was attended by more than 100 people from the community and beyond, including tribal members, elders, leaders, staff, partners, supporters, and media.
The event was also live-streamed online for those who could not be there in person.
The ceremony was followed by fishing activities along the riverbank, where tribal members used poles and line to catch coho salmon. Some also used traditional gear, such as dip nets and gaffs later in the month.
The fishery was a joyous occasion for many tribal members who had waited for this moment for a long time.
Some caught their first salmon from their tribe's river in their lives. Others shared stories and memories of fishing on the river before or after the dams were built.
Many expressed gratitude and pride for being able to exercise their treaty rights and feed their families with fresh salmon from their own waters.
The fishery was also a testament to the resilience and perseverance of both the tribe and the salmon.
Despite facing many challenges and obstacles over the years, both have survived and thrived thanks to their strong spirit and determination.
The tribe hopes that this fishery will be the first of many to come in the future as they continue to work with their partners to restore and protect the Elwha River ecosystem and its fisheries.
