| Report Number: |
2 (Annual Report)
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|
| Report Period: |
12/01/2012 to 03/31/2013 |
| Report Status: |
Approved
|
| File Number: |
16608 |
| Project Title: |
San Joaquin River Restoration Program Interim Flows Program, Steelhead Monitoring Plan |
| Project Status: |
New |
| Previous Federal or State Permit/Authorization: |
|
| Permit/Authorization Requested: |
- ESA Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit (Pacific fish/invertebrate research)
- Expired
|
| Where will activities occur? |
California (including offshore waters)
|
| State department of fish and game/wildlife: |
N/A |
| Research Timeframe: |
Start: 01/27/2012 End: 03/31/2014 |
| Sampling Season/Project Duration: |
The sampling season for this activity would be for several seasons, including during the San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP) Interim Flows Project, during Water Year 2012 (WY 2012) and subsequent water years through March 31, 2014. Further, the monitoring of Central Valley steelhead would only occur between December 1 or approximately the time that California Department of Fish and Game's Hills Ferry Barrier is removed from the San Joaquin River near the confluence of the Merced River, to the time that Vernalis Adaptive Management Program (VAMP) flows or similar flows begin on the tributaries in the lower San Joaquin River, approximately mid- to late-March. |
| Abstract: |
The implementation of Interim Flows includes implementation of the Steelhead Monitoring Plan (SMP) to check for Central Valley steelhead in the Restoration Area (located between the Merced River confluence and Friant Dam) during spring Interim Flows. Hills Ferry Barrier, located on the San Joaquin River near the confluence of the Merced River, is a weir designed to discourage fish migration to the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River. It is scheduled to be removed in mid-December. It is estimated that flows will occur as a result of VAMP or VAMP-like flows in the lower San Joaquin River tributaries from March 15th through April 30th. As a result, the critical timing for Central Valley steelhead monitoring within the Restoration Area would occur from mid-December through March 15th, as it is anticipated that steelhead would be attracted to tributary flows in the lower reaches. The Steelhead Monitoring Plan calls for the implementation of several options to monitor for steelhead that could make it past Hills Ferry Barrier.
The SMP shall be utilized to detect the presence or absence of steelhead that may enter the Restoration Area. The sampling season will begin early to include fall-run Chinook salmon in the area. The impacts associated with the implementation of the SMP are anticipated to be minimal as historical data from the California Department of Fish and Game at the Hills Ferry Barrier for the monitoring of fish at the barrier have yet to record Central Valley steelhead at the facility. |
Describe any problems and/or any unforeseen effects and any steps taken (or proposed) to resolve such problems.
No steelhead were detected in the study area and no problems were identified.
Describe what measures were taken to minimize the permitted activities' effects on animals and the effectiveness of these measures.
Capture of resident fish multiple times was to be anticipated, thus no more than monthly sampling was important to ensure fish recovery from sampling and handling stress between captures. Fyke and trammel net sizes were made smaller than normal for this targeted size fish so not to gill steelhead and risk harming during capture.
If animals were unintentionally injured or killed, describe the circumstances. Describe how they were disposed of
if it wasn't in the way described in the authorization/permit.
No steelhead were captured and bycatch was released to the river unharmed.
Describe the physical condition of animals taken and used in the permitted activities.
No steelhead were captured and bycatch appeared to be in good health ( no sores, abrasions, or discoloration).
Describe the effects permitted activities had on animals, including any unforeseen responses or effects.
There were no abmormal effects observed from fish caught as bycatch in our nets or by electrofishing. All fish were released in good health.
If applicable, describe the method used to estimate take if it differed from your proposed method.
NA
State what steps were taken to coordinate the permitted activities with other permit holders.
The Steelhead Monitoring Plan was a multiagency collaboration through the San Joaquin River Restoration Program with collaboration from USFWS, NMFS, and CDFW.
If you do not have an electronic version logbook, please submit a hard copy to the following address or send it
to the following fax number (please include your permit number on all pages).
see attached report
Summarize any preliminary findings. Did you accomplish your project goals?
No steelhead were observed during the 2013 sampling.
List titles of reports, publications, etc. resulting from this reporting period.
Portz, Donald E., Shaun Root, and Charles Hueth. 2013. Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring Plan for the San Joaquin River Restoration Area: 2013 Monitoring Results for National Marine Fisheries Service Permit 16608. US Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation.
Provide any additional findings, results, or information you would like to report or comment on.
One file attached.
