RSS FeedsSteelhead Growth Study
Stillwater Sciences is conducting a study of steelhead growth in several tributaries of the Napa River. The study is part of a larger project, funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), with a primary objective of supporting and building local partnerships for the management and restoration of fish and aquatic wildlife species in the Napa River watershed and providing alternative management measures for multiple land use needs.
Historically the Napa River and its tributaries supported substantial spawning runs of salmon and steelhead. Salmon are now believed to be virtually extinct in the Napa River basin, and steelhead runs have declined substantially in recent years. A previous study by Stillwater Sciences and UC Berkeley in the summer of 2001 (Stillwater Sciences and Deitrich, 2002) determined that most juvenile steelhead lost a significant amount of weight over the summer, suggesting that food resources may be insufficient to satisfy metabolic demands. Significant weight loss during the summer may stress fish and reduce survival during the remaining juvenile rearing period. Small size at the time of outmigration is a potential factor related to the decline of steelhead in the Napa River basin.
By marking and monitoring individual juvinille steelhead over the course of a full year, our study seeks to determine if juvenile steelhead are able to regain lost weight in the fall, winter, or spring prior to migrating to the ocean. Recapture of marked fish during the course of the study will allow us to determine seasonal growth rates and the relationship between growth and various environmental conditions. Stream flow, water temperature, and food availability (i.e., aquatic insects) will also be monitored during the study to identify how these factors affect steelhead growth. Results of these and other related studies by Stillwater Sciences will be made will be made available to the public through the Watershed Information Center & Conservancy.
For more information on this project please contact us.
Contact Information:
Stillwater Sciences
2855 Telegraph Ave, Suite 400
Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone: 510.848.8098, Fax: 510.848.8398
www.stillwatersci.com
