Salmon return to Mokelumne River in record numbers

The Mokelumne River serves as the primary drinking water source for 1.4 million households in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. It is also a vital resource to the large number of Chinook Salmon who return every year during spawning season. Salmon numbers have been down for years due to human interference and habitat loss. In 1963, the Mokelumne River Hatchery was built to offset the damage when EBMUD built the Camanche Dam. Since then, the hatchery has been hard at work to bring that salmon population back. This year's salmon population is now the most successful return in more than 80 years. According to EBMUD, more than 20,000 fish returned from the Pacific Ocean to spawn in the river so far this season, the highest number on record since 1940. KTVU's Christien Kafton speaks with Michelle Workman, Manager of Fisheries and Wildlife at EBMUD about the progress.