Summary

Since the dams are highly selective against the kelt strategy, they could be altering the evolutionary trajectory of steelhead populations.
No-term and short-term release strategies are low intervention management scenarios that allow for the recruitment of marine nutrients and are low cost.
Kelt steelhead released below Bonneville Dam traveled quickly downstream. Many reached the ocean in 5 to 6 days.
Short-term treated kelts traveled downstream faster than no-term treated kelts, however survival estimates between the groups was not significantly different.
About 50% of the kelt steelhead released below Bonneville Dam reached the ocean. The mortality rate appears to be about constant from release to ocean entry. (no reach seems more important than another). Perhaps we should release fish closer to the ocean.
Environmental conditions greatly influence survival to the ocean. Flow seems most important. High flow = greater survival.
Utilizing this previously lost resource could lead to novel approaches to restoration.

Since the dams are highly selective against the kelt strategy, they could be altering the evolutionary trajectory of steelhead populations.