Trapped steelhead study

[WB Staff]

PORT ANGELES — A recent study, with its roots going back to 2004, has showed promising news that Elwha River steelhead trapped for a century miles from the Strait of Juan de Fuca by the Elwha River dams have managed to maintain their natural genetic diversity during that time and are able to return to their old natural cycle of returning to the sea.

The study was conducted by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists. It was published in the journal Genes in January as part of a special issue on salmon and steelhead genetics.

Agencies involved in the study include NOAA, the National Park Service, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Washington State University and Trout Unlimited.

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