Published May, 1998 What Are the Lake Washington Studies (and why are they important)? The following is a brief summary of the four main issues that have been the focus of the Lake Washington Studies, including a discussion of the progress made so far, the work that still remains, and the implications for future action. Seasonal Food Shortages. It appears that key areas in the lake may experience food shortages during February and March, the first months when sockeye fry enter the lake. If this is confirmed by further sampling of fish and zooplankton levels, it could lead to changes in when and where hatchery fry are released and an increased emphasis on habitat projects benefitting late-spawning stocks, among other actions. Increased Predation. In recent years, some species of sockeye predators, such as sculpins and northern squawfish, appear to have increased in numbers or changed their behavior patterns. If this is confirmed by further tracking and analysis of predators, a variety of recommendations might follow, including habitat changes such as increased milfoil control and revised catch policies for key predators. Cedar/Sammamish Comparisons. The Cedar River typically produces 85 to 90 percent of the lake's fry, and the Sammamish system produces most of the balance. However, in some years the Cedar's share has dropped to as low as 65 percent. Apart from the effects of flooding, scientists do not know why this happens. Additional trapping and marking of fry from the Sammamish system and comparisons of fish and water samples from the two lakes would enable scientists to answer this question and help guide management actions that may apply differently to the two systems. Ballard Locks. Legally, the primary function of the locks is to serve boaters and maintain lake levels. Only recently have the locks been recognized as posing special dangers to the juvenile salmon from Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish that must pass through them on their way to marine waters. The Corps of Engineers, which operates the locks, is working with the Forum to improve the role of the locks in the ecosystem--but we still need to improve our understanding of what needs to be done. Budget of the studies by main issue Learning How to Keep the Sockeye Running The Watershed in Context

King County | Natural Resources and Parks | Water and Land Resources | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details.