Friday, October 7, 2005

Sportsman's group focuses on Idaho salmon recovery

Wood River chapter of ISSU schedules fundraiser


Idaho Steelhead and Salmon Unlimited Board Member Jason Roth, of Hailey, steadies the net and releases one of 173 adult, endangered sockeye salmon into Redfish Lake.

Members of Idaho Steelhead and Salmon Unlimited worked with a team of Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists last month on a night release of 173 adult, endangered Snake River Sockeye salmon into Redfish Lake near Stanley.

ISSU President Paul Hopfenbeck and fellow ISSU Board Member Jason Roth, of Hailey, were the only members of the general public assisting at the special release on Sept. 7. It is the goal of ISSU to aid in restoring wild (non-hatchery) steelhead and salmon fisheries to their previously sustainable and harvestable levels" Hopfenbeck said in an ISSU press release. "Efforts like this release, combined with an intense campaign of public awareness is what ISSU is all about. In our view, extinction is not an option."

Founded in 1982, ISSU is a conservation group comprised of concerned citizens, businessmen, and sportsmen. Since the group's inception, the membership roll has fluctuated, not unlike Idaho's own anadromous (sea-run) fish numbers. At one time, the group boasted a statewide membership of over 2500, a number that rivals the current size of similar conservation groups in Idaho.

"We are in the midst of a changing tide within our group today," Roth said. "We have recently enjoyed a reshuffling at the executive board level, and have hired a full-time field director based out of Boise. This infusion of new blood will spell good things for Idaho's magnificent sea-run steelhead and salmon species. Now, more than ever, ISSU is committed to leading the charge on salmon and steelhead recovery in Idaho."

"Sockeye salmon are a prime example of a species on the brink of extinction. The Snake River sockeye has been listed as endangered since 1991." Hopfenbeck said. "The Snake River strain is exceptionally unique, and should be judged as an indicator species to the overall well-being of their ecosystem. These particular fish migrate the furthest distance (over 900 miles one way from the ocean), and to the highest elevation (over 7,000 ft.) of any other strain of sockeye on the planet."

Redfish Lake, with its outlet tributary to the upper Salmon River, represents the only remaining viable habitat for Snake River sockeye. Historically, several alpine lakes such as Alturas, Petit, and Yellow Belly sustained healthy, self-regulating populations of the crimson-red fish. However, by 1962, sockeye numbers began to decline precipitously. Today, only Redfish receives a remnant run of adult sockeye returning from the Pacific Ocean. Between 1990 and 1998, only 16 wild adults returned to Redfish. This year, seven adults returned.

"Hatchery-reared steelhead and spring chinook do create angler opportunities. However, they, as well as this particular release of captive-raised fish, is not the long-term answer to Idaho's wild fish population crisis," Hopfenbeck said. "We will not sit by idly in our effort to call well-deserved attention to all of Idaho's ocean-run fish."

The Wood River chapter of ISSU will be hosting its annual fundraiser banquet Sunday evening, Nov. 20. Held in the Sun Valley Inn's Limelight Room, this event is well known for good times and high caliber prizes. "This year is certainly no different," Hopfenbeck, said. "Thanks to the generous support of local and out-of state donors, there will be many happy people leaving the benefit."

There will also be some exciting unannounced prizes in addition to the already impressive lineup of Alaska, Oregon, Mexico and Idaho fishing trips, fine art, outdoor clothing, outdoor gear, private dinners, yurt trips, and the ever-popular "ladies getaway".

For more information on how you can become involved in the organization, the banquet committee, or as a donor to the banquet, please contact Paul Hopfenbeck at 720-7778, or Jason Roth at 720-1256.




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