Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Summer 1995
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Resource Management
Committee Chair
John Ressler
Second Committee Member
Paul W. James
Third Committee Member
George Macinko
Fourth Committee Member
Raymond Z. Riznyk
Abstract
Prior to Euroamerican development, the Yakima River Basin was a major producer of salmon. Total runs of approximately 800,000 have declined to 3,000-5,000, or less than 1% of original run size. Three species are extinct in the basin, including summer chinook, coho, and sockeye.
Irrigation development, including the construction of unscreened diversions, the blockage of spawning and rearing habitat by reservoir dams, and the dewatering of spawning and rearing habitat, began in the mid-1800's and today totals approximately 500,000 acres. Historical records provide a wealth of information documenting irrigation development and its consequences on anadromous fish populations.
Recommended Citation
Tuck, Robert L., "Impacts of Irrigation Development on Anadromous Fish in the Yakima River Basin, Washington" (1995). All Master's Theses. 1785.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/1785
Included in
Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Water Resource Management Commons