Yakima Delta – Bateman Island Causeway

• Blocks Yakima River Flow on south side of Island

• Creates an unnatural River Delta which limits flow and creates stagnant water

• Stagnant pool of water west of causeway raises water temperatures creating habitat for non-native warm water fish species (piscivores)

• Creates a thermal barrier for adult salmon migrating to the Yakima Basin by mixing with flowing river water

• Disrupts spawning timing for adult summer migrants and causes salmon to hold at the mouth of the Yakima River until temperature drops (Sockeye and Summer Chinook)