Pink Salmon return to Cortes after 8 years, but creek levels are too low

Roy L Hales/Cortes Currents - Cortes Currents was mistaken in the original version of this story. The Chum run did not come into Basil Creek early this year – these are Pinks.

According to Cortes Island Streamkeeper Christine Robinson there have not been any Pink runs on Cortes since 2015, but there was a huge surplus this year.  Pinks are known to stray and find creeks other than their natal streams, and this may be an explanation for their presence on Cortes Island. They started to turn up in Squirrel Cove Creek two to three weeks ago, and Basil Creek and Chris’ Lagoon around Sept 28, but there does not appear to be enough water in the creeks for them.

Cortes Currents examined Basil Creek on Oct 2.

A cloud of Turkey Vultures, gulls and crows fled at our approach. Judging from the condition of the dead fish, their feast had only recently begun. Many settled on the nearby ancient wreck to wait until we leave. The crows are voicing their outrage at our intrusion. 

Four, or more, sea lions are feasting in the deeper waters of Squirrel Cove. 

While the rains appear to have started, the water has still not risen much and the trail of dead and stranded Pink salmon does not go far up Basil Creek.
Dozens of fish have attempted to swim upstream, but were not able to penetrate much further than the trees. Robinson said a couple of fish may have beyond this point and it is too early to know if any spawned.

Far more are circling just beyond the mouth of the creek, waiting for an opportunity to swim upstream, but the tide is receding and there is so little water in the creek bed that it is a barrier.

Further down the beach, a solitary Pink salmon is circling in a tidal pool. Baby crabs are feasting on one of his mates who was trapped by the last receding tide. We decided to rescue the salmon. After several attempts to grasp its slimy wriggling body, I gave up on the attempt. My daughter, Amy Forest, was more persistent. The Pink squirmed out of her clutches several times then grounded itself. This provided her with the opportunity to pick it up. From there it is only a few steps to the ocean and freedom. 

The Chum run is expected to arrive around the middle of this month and should continue into November. If there is an abundance of Chum, it could last longer.

The long range weather forecast shows some rain in the next two weeks.
How long will it take for the level of Basil Creek to rise?

Will it be on time for this year’s Chum run?  

Is there anything Cortes residents can do that will enable the salmon population’s survival?

While she is not a hydrologist, Robinson says one thing people could do to help is watch their water consumption and the effect it has on the water table. We are entering into a period of drier summers, when there is less water available.  This will have a direct impact upon the water table, creek levels and the survival of salmon.