Got some info on this today ... there has been some genetic work done on some of the sockeye that have been trapped in the lower Elwha and they marker up with the kokes from Lake Sutherland.

So there you go

Update:

I received an email dated 01/13/2011 from a WDFW biologist who spoke to a person in the NMFS genetics lab. They (NMFS geneticists) have *confirmed* that the sockeye that are in the Elwah River are genetically THE SAME as the kokanee in the lake.

It's the same fish. The origins of these sockeye are now known.

I'd argue that the Elwah River sockeye are NOT extinct......and probably can be recovered to some extent.

Give the fish a chance.........