[ECO]Mongolian Scientists Study Fish-Friendly Dam Alternatives in America

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Mongolian scientists visiting California’s Klamath River dam removal project study fish-friendly dam alternatives to inform sustainable hydropower development in their country

A delegation of

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recently visited Northern California to witness firsthand the results of America’s largest dam removal project. The Klamath River now flows freely through a gorge submerged under 200 feet just months earlier.

The visiting experts in aquatic ecosystems, biology, chemistry, and engineering came to learn about fish-friendly dam alternatives as Mongolia considers its hydropower development. Their visit was part of a knowledge exchange hosted by Wild Salmon Center’s International Taimen Initiative, focused on protecting taimen, the world’s largest salmonids.

The

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removed four dams, including the 60-year-old Iron Gate Dam. This massive $500 million undertaking began in 2023 after decades of activism led by the Karuk and Yurok Tribes, supported by multiple governors from California and Oregon.

The delegation could see the former dam’s namesake rock flanges along the riverbanks from the observation platform. Native plants had already begun reclaiming the landscape, with willows, lupines, oaks, and yarrows taking root along the shores.

Toz Soto, program manager for the Karuk Fisheries Program, guided the visitors. After years of advocating for dam removal on behalf of the Karuk Tribe, Soto helped advise the Klamath River Renewal Corporation during the complex deconstruction process.

When the Klamath dams were built starting in 1913, scientists knew little about salmon conservation. Three dams constructed on the Klamath—Iron Gate, Copco No. 1, and Copco No. 2 provided no fish passage. This experience demonstrates why exploring fish-friendly dam alternatives is now considered essential for any new water infrastructure project.

For generations, the dams blocked salmon from accessing most of the Klamath River Basin. Some opponents of dam removal claimed salmon never migrated above Iron Gate, but the Karuk and other Tribes preserved oral and photographic evidence proving otherwise.

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Scientific research in 2017 confirmed that spring and fall Chinook salmon travelled hundreds of miles through the Klamath system before dam construction. Genetic data showed salmon journeyed to spring-fed tributaries like the Wood and Sprague rivers, traversing diverse habitats from salt marshes to mountain streams.

Dr. Avlyush explained that Siberian taimen and native species like lenok and grayling are similar to Klamath salmon in that they are long-distance travellers and rely on diverse habitats.

Mongolia is home to some of the most pristine taimen rivers across Eurasia. However, the nation seeks sustainable ways to develop domestic energy production, making some iconic taimen rivers attractive locations for new hydropower dams.

Dr. Avlyush described how researchers believe Siberian taimen use various water systems from headwaters and tributaries to large mainstem rivers, where they can survive in deep pools during the iced-over winter months. She noted the clear parallels between taimen and Klamath salmon.

The Klamath offers powerful lessons about dam impacts. Since construction, generations of Chinook salmon have been unable to reach the lake’s headwater rivers like the Wood and Sprague. Even with dam removal, challenges remain. Salmon still need to navigate past the Keno and Link River dams and across Klamath Lake itself.

Dr. Avlyush expressed excitement about the possibility of salmon returning to places like the Wood River while acknowledging the importance of considering fish-friendly dam alternatives from the beginning when planning Mongolia’s development projects.

The knowledge exchange has sparked new plans to improve Mongolia’s habitat protection and fisheries management. Proactive steps could help the country improve health outlooks for taimen and other aquatic species.

On the Wood River banks, Wild Salmon Center Science Advisor Dr. Jonny Armstrong pointed out coarse gravel in the riverbed—the perfect salmon spawning habitat. He noted that a female Chinook might someday build her nest there, as her ancestors did a century ago.

The questions facing Mongolia are significant. While America removes ageing dams, Mongolia advances water infrastructure development, including hydropower projects. The Klamath experience shows dams can have unforeseen consequences, including fish population crashes and water quality problems.

Dr. Avlyush acknowledged that all development projects involve trade-offs. She pointed out modern hydropower includes more fish-friendly dam alternatives, from better siting to improved fish passage systems.

She highlighted that more than 90 percent of Mongolia’s rivers remain free-flowing. Dr. Avlyush explained that Mongolian scientists aim to take the best practices from around the world and share them with decision-makers, including those planning hydropower expansion.

Local communities must also participate in these decisions. In Mongolia, taimen are culturally revered, similar to how salmon are central to tribal identity in the Pacific Northwest. Infrastructure decisions can impact generations for communities centered on wild fish and rivers.

During the visit, Soto shared exciting news, showing the delegation video footage of a Chinook salmon swimming above the former Iron Gate Dam site—possibly the first in over 80 years. Soon after, salmon were confirmed to be migrating above all four dam sites and even spawning in Oregon’s Spencer Creek.

This development offers hope for fish-friendly dam alternatives and river restoration worldwide. While protecting healthy rivers remains the priority, the Klamath shows that proper intervention makes recovery possible.

As Mongolia considers its development path, these lessons from America’s dam removal experience may help inform a future where energy needs and wild fish coexist through implementing fish-friendly dam alternatives when necessary.

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