| Report Number: |
3 (Annual Report)
Previous Report Next Report
|
| Report Period: |
12/01/2013 to 03/31/2014 |
| 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 captured during the steelhead monitoring and detection plan (SMP). However, ancillary data that were collected are valuable in providing foundational baseline information of fish community assemblages and native fishes for Reach 5 of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP). Four of 26 fish species captured were native to the SJR, though captured fish represented a smaller proportion of individuals; only 5.1% of total individuals captured were native to California waters.
Describe what measures were taken to minimize the permitted activities' effects on animals and the effectiveness of these measures.
The fyke nets were checked at least daily and the trammel nets manned during the entire time of their deployment. Biologists were present during these activities, to minimize negative effects. All staff were trained in the use of electroshocking and adhered to NMFS guidelines. The sampling frequency was limited to once per month in specific locations to minimize stress to the species and allow for adequate recovery time as it is expected that the same fish could be captured multiple times.
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 ESA-listed species were injured or killed during monitoring.
Describe the physical condition of animals taken and used in the permitted activities.
No ESA-listed species were captured during the reporting period. All other captured fish were released in good condition.
Describe the effects permitted activities had on animals, including any unforeseen responses or effects.
Not applicable.
If applicable, describe the method used to estimate take if it differed from your proposed method.
Not applicable.
State what steps were taken to coordinate the permitted activities with other permit holders.
Fisheries biologists from various agencies, including individuals from Reclamation's Technical Services Center, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provided assistance during implementation of the monitoring activities.
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).
N/A - PDF Report attached.
Summarize any preliminary findings. Did you accomplish your project goals?
Steelhead abundance and distribution in the San Joaquin River Basin have substantially decreased, and steelhead are now believed to be extirpated from the Restoration Area. Reclamation implemented a SMP for the San Joaquin River, upstream of the confluence with the Merced River. No steelhead were recovered during this time. However, ancillary data that were collected provide information of fish community assemblages for Reach 5 of the SJRRP.
List titles of reports, publications, etc. resulting from this reporting period.
Central Valley Steelhead Monitoring Plan for the San Joaquin River Restoration Area
2014 Monitoring Results for National Marine Fisheries Service Permit 16608
Provide any additional findings, results, or information you would like to report or comment on.
Although no CV steelhead were detected or captured during this sampling period, the continued monitoring of adult CV steelhead migration in the Restoration Area provides important information regarding the progress of the SJRRP. Monitoring population abundance trends, rare and native species occurrences, and fish community assemblages will provide a biological indication of SJRRP's success.
One file attached.
