Where the Creek Meets the Tide: Effects of Climate Change on Salmon, Homes, and Businesses, and the Squaxin Island Tribe

The Squaxin Island Tribe (SIT) is descended from maritime people who have lived and prospered along the shores of the southernmost inlets of the Salish Sea for millennia. Climate change is projected to result in lower low water flows, higher peak water temperatures, and bigger and more frequent floods, due to both changes in peak flows and sea level rise. These changes could have significant impacts for salmon and other fish populations, while also putting key Tribal properties and enterprises at risk. 

Given the potential for climate change to exacerbate existing threats on salmon populations, it is necessary to quantify climate change impacts to inform effective restoration and conservation plans. The project team will work to develop hydrologic and water temperature models for two key watersheds of interest to the Squaxin Island Tribe: Skookum and Kennedy Creeks. In addition, they will evaluate the combined effects of sea level and peak river flows on flood risk in lower Skookum Creek. These new models will also be the basis for future investigations, including evaluations of land management strategies that maximize water supply. 

A tribal member emphasizes, "Salmon is very important; it is a way of life – no salmon would mean a total change of life for many people. It would be so sad if we had a world without salmon.” The well-being of Squaxin Island Tribal members is connected to first foods and a home that is free from the risk of flooding. The ability to project and respond to climatic changes impacting both salmon and human habitat is central to the tribe’s culture, identity, and existence.