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Author Topic: How dam removal can effect steelhead genetics  (Read 2435 times)

RalphH

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How dam removal can effect steelhead genetics
« on: January 25, 2021, 10:57:57 AM »

A new study on steelhead in the Elwha finds that removal of the dam dramatically changed the genetics of the rivers steelhead.

https://wildsteelheaders.org/science-friday-how-dam-construction-and-removal-changed-genetics-of-o-mykiss-in-the-elwha-river/
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clarki

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Re: How dam removal can effect steelhead genetics
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2021, 08:14:11 PM »

Interesting read. Thanks for the link Ralph.

I found these snippets most interesting:  "suggesting that dams have not eliminated the ability of formerly land-locked rainbow trout to resume anadromy" and  "the above-dam population of rainbow trout... likely hold the potential to give rise to summer steelhead"

40 of the 45 mile run of the Elwha lies with within the national park. No more dams, no development, just pristine wilderness and old growth temperate rainforest. It's exciting to imagine what it could now become.
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CohoJake

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Re: How dam removal can effect steelhead genetics
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2021, 08:19:33 PM »

Interesting read. Thanks for the link Ralph.

I found these snippets most interesting:  "suggesting that dams have not eliminated the ability of formerly land-locked rainbow trout to resume anadromy" and  "the above-dam population of rainbow trout... likely hold the potential to give rise to summer steelhead"

40 of the 45 mile run of the Elwha lies with within the national park. No more dams, no development, just pristine wilderness and old growth temperate rainforest. It's exciting to imagine what it could now become.
It's also exiting that we are about to see the same thing in California on the Klamath river.
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