Upper Skagit Indian Tribe examines steelhead scales

The Upper Skagit Tribe is analyzing scale samples to determine the age of steelhead returning to the Skagit River.

Unlike most species of salmon, steelhead can spawn repeatedly before they die. They mature at 2 or 3 years, and can stay at sea up to three years before returning to fresh water to spawn.

Upper Skagit tribal staff took scale samples from 75 wild steelhead to be examined using equipment at the University of Washington. Analysis of steelhead scales can tell researchers how many years a steelhead has spent in fresh water before out-migrating and how long it spent at sea. The analysis also will show whether the steelhead migrated back out to sea after spawning in fresh water.

‘’It’s important to continue to collect data so we can sustainably manage the steelhead population, which was historically available to the tribe through the long winter months when other species were not available to sustain our culture and feed our families,” said Scott Schuyler, natural resources director for the tribe.

Eventually, the tribe plans to acquire its own equipment so tribal technicians can process the scale samples themselves.

Compared to other river systems in Puget Sound, the Skagit River still has an abundance of wild steelhead. Both tribal and non-Indian fisheries have been reduced dramatically since the 2007 listing of Puget Sound steelhead as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The primary causes of the decline of steelhead runs are believed to be degraded habitat, fish-blocking culverts and unfavorable ocean conditions.

For more information, contact: Scott Schuyler, Upper Skagit Tribe, 360-854-7090 or ; Kari Neumeyer, NWIFC, 360-424-8226 or .

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