scholarly journals Leveraging Delta Smelt Monitoring for Detecting Juvenile Chinook Salmon in the San Francisco Estuary

Author(s):  
Brian Mahardja ◽  
Lara Mitchell ◽  
Michael Beakes ◽  
Catherine Johnston ◽  
Cory Graham ◽  
...  

Monitoring is an essential component in ecosystem management, and leveraging existing data sources for multiple species of interest can be one effective way to enhance information for management agencies. Here, we analyzed juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) bycatch data that has been collected by the recently established Enhanced Delta Smelt Monitoring program (EDSM), a survey designed to estimate the abundance and distribution of the San Francisco Estuary’s (estuary) endangered Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Two key aspects of the EDSM program distinguish it from other fish surveys in the estuary: a stratified random sampling design and the spatial scale of its sampling effort. We integrated the EDSM data set with other existing surveys in the estuary, and used an occupancy model to assess differences in the probability of detecting Delta Smelt across gear types. We saw no large-scale differences in size selectivity, and while detection probability varied among gear types, cumulative detection probability for EDSM was comparable to other surveys because of the program’s use of replicate tows. Based on our occupancy model and sampling effort in the estuary during spring of 2017 and 2018, we highlighted under-sampled regions that saw improvements in monitoring coverage from EDSM. Our analysis also revealed that each sampling method has its own benefits and constraints. Although the use of random sites with replicates, as conducted by EDSM, can provide more statistically robust abundance estimates relative to traditional methods, the use of fixed stations and simple methods such as beach seining may provide a more cost-effective way to monitor salmon occurrence in certain regions of the estuary. Leveraging the strengths of each survey’s method can enable stronger inferences on salmon abundance and distribution. Careful consideration of these trade-offs is crucial as the management agencies of the estuary continue to adapt and improve their monitoring programs.

Author(s):  
Brian Mahardja ◽  
Lara Mitchell ◽  
Michael Beakes ◽  
Catherine Johnston ◽  
Cory Graham ◽  
...  

Monitoring is an essential component in ecosystem management, and leveraging existing data sources for multiple species of interest can be one effective way to enhance information for management agencies. Here, we analyzed juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) bycatch data that has been collected by the recently established Enhanced Delta Smelt Monitoring program (EDSM), a survey designed to estimate the abundance and distribution of the San Francisco Estuary’s (estuary) endangered Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Two key aspects of the EDSM program distinguish it from other fish surveys in the estuary: a stratified random sampling design and the spatial scale of its sampling effort. We integrated the EDSM data set with other existing surveys in the estuary, and used an occupancy model to assess differences in the probability of detecting Delta Smelt across gear types. We saw no large-scale differences in size selectivity, and while detection probability varied among gear types, cumulative detection probability for EDSM was comparable to other surveys because of the program’s use of replicate tows. Based on our occupancy model and sampling effort in the estuary during spring of 2017 and 2018, we highlighted under-sampled regions that saw improvements in monitoring coverage from EDSM. Our analysis also revealed that each sampling method has its own benefits and constraints. Although the use of random sites with replicates, as conducted by EDSM, can provide more statistically robust abundance estimates relative to traditional methods, the use of fixed stations and simple methods such as beach seining may provide a more cost-effective way to monitor salmon occurrence in certain regions of the estuary. Leveraging the strengths of each survey’s method can enable stronger inferences on salmon abundance and distribution. Careful consideration of these trade-offs is crucial as the management agencies of the estuary continue to adapt and improve their monitoring programs.


Author(s):  
Brian Mahardja ◽  
Lara Mitchell ◽  
Michael Beakes ◽  
Catherine Johnston ◽  
Cory Graham ◽  
...  

Monitoring is an essential component in ecosystem management and leveraging existing data sources for multiple species of interest can be one effective way to enhance information when making management decisions. Here we analyzed juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) bycatch data that has been collected by the recently established Enhanced Delta Smelt Monitoring program (EDSM), a survey designed to estimate the abundance and distribution of the San Francisco Estuary’s (estuary) endangered Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Two key aspects of the EDSM program distinguish it from other fish surveys in the estuary: a stratified random sampling design and the spatial scale of its sampling effort. We integrated the EDSM dataset with other existing surveys in the estuary and used an occupancy model to assess detection probability differences across gear types. We saw no large-scale differences in size selectivity, and while detection probability varied among gear types, cumulative detection probability for EDSM was comparable to other surveys due to the program’s use of replicate tows. Based on our occupancy model and sampling effort in the estuary during spring of 2017 and 2018, we highlighted under-sampled regions that saw improvements in monitoring coverage due to EDSM. Our analysis also revealed that each sampling method has its own benefits and constraints. Although the use of random sites with replicates as conducted by EDSM can provide more statistically robust abundance estimates relative to traditional methods, the use of fixed stations and simple methods such as beach seine may provide a more cost-effective way of monitoring salmon occurrence in certain regions of the estuary. Stronger inference on salmon abundance and distribution can be made by leveraging the strengths of each survey’s method. Careful consideration of these trade-offs is crucial as the management agencies of the estuary continue to adapt and improve their monitoring programs.


Author(s):  
Brian Mahardja ◽  
Lara Mitchell ◽  
Michael Beakes ◽  
Catherine Johnston ◽  
Cory Graham ◽  
...  

Monitoring is an essential component in ecosystem management and leveraging existing data sources for multiple species of interest can be one effective way to enhance information when making management decisions. Here we analyzed juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) bycatch data that has been collected by the recently established Enhanced Delta Smelt Monitoring program (EDSM), a survey designed to estimate the abundance and distribution of the San Francisco Estuary (estuary) endemic and endangered Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Two key aspects of the EDSM program distinguish it from other fish surveys in the estuary: a stratified random sampling design and the spatial scale of its sampling effort. We integrated the EDSM dataset with other existing surveys in the estuary and used an occupancy model to assess detection probability differences across gear types. We saw no large-scale differences in size selectivity, and while detection probability varied among gear types, cumulative detection probability for EDSM was comparable to other surveys due to the program’s use of replicate tows. Based on our occupancy model and sampling effort in the estuary during spring of 2017 and 2018, we highlighted under-sampled regions that saw improvements in monitoring coverage due to EDSM. Our analysis also revealed that each sampling method has its own benefits and constraints. Although the use of random sites with replicates as conducted by EDSM can provide more statistically robust abundance estimates relative to traditional methods, the use of fixed stations and simple methods such as beach seine may provide a more cost-effective way of monitoring salmon occurrence at certain regions of the estuary. Stronger inference on salmon abundance and distribution can be made by leveraging the strengths of each survey’s method. Careful consideration of these trade-offs and key monitoring objectives is crucial as the management agencies of the estuary continue to adapt and improve their monitoring programs.


Author(s):  
Nicole M. Aha ◽  
Peter B. Moyle ◽  
Nann A. Fangue ◽  
Andrew L. Rypel ◽  
John R. Durand

AbstractLoss of estuarine and coastal habitats worldwide has reduced nursery habitat and function for diverse fishes, including juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Underutilized off-channel habitats such as flooded rice fields and managed ponds present opportunities for improving rearing conditions and increasing habitat diversity along migratory corridors. While experiments in rice fields have shown enhanced growth rates of juvenile fishes, managed ponds are less studied. To evaluate the potential of these ponds as a nursery habitat, juvenile Chinook salmon (~ 2.8 g, 63 mm FL) were reared in cages in four contrasting locations within Suisun Marsh, a large wetland in the San Francisco Estuary. The locations included a natural tidal slough, a leveed tidal slough, and the inlet and outlet of a tidally muted managed pond established for waterfowl hunting. Fish growth rates differed significantly among locations, with the fastest growth occurring near the outlet in the managed pond. High zooplankton biomass at the managed pond outlet was the best correlate of salmon growth. Water temperatures in the managed pond were also cooler and less variable compared to sloughs, reducing thermal stress. The stress of low dissolved oxygen concentrations within the managed pond was likely mediated by high concentrations of zooplankton and favorable temperatures. Our findings suggest that muted tidal habitats in the San Francisco Estuary and elsewhere could be managed to promote growth and survival of juvenile salmon and other native fishes.


2004 ◽  
Vol 61 (7) ◽  
pp. 1066-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Wagner ◽  
James L Congleton

We used factor analysis to examine the correlation structure of six multivariate blood chemistry data sets for migrating hatchery and wild juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Fish were sampled (1998–2002) from juvenile fish bypass systems at dams or (one data set) from fish transport barges on the Snake and Columbia rivers. Analyses were performed to determine which blood chemistry analytes covaried, to facilitate interpretation of the data sets, and to provide insight into controlling physiological mechanisms. Four underlying factors were derived from the analyses: (i) a nutritional factor composed of total protein, cholesterol, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase, (ii) a tissue damage factor composed of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase, (iii) a lipid metabolism factor composed of triacylglycerol lipase and triglycerides, and (iv) a stress factor composed of cortisol, glucose, Na+, and Cl–. Although causal mechanisms cannot be directly inferred from our analyses, findings of published research provide tenable causal mechanisms for the observed structure. The consistency of the correlation structure among data sets suggests that composite (latent) variables may be more reliable indicators of some physiological responses than changes in individual variables.


2001 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony P. Farrell ◽  
Christopher Kennedy ◽  
Winnie Cheng ◽  
M. Anna Lemke

Abstract A comprehensive data set for the acute toxicity of monochloramine to juvenile chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and the aquatic invertebrate Ceriodaphnia dubia are presented. For exposures up to 10 days, the equation LC50 = 7244t-0.4525 (where LC50 = monochloramine concentration in μg/L for 50% lethality and t = time in minutes) can predict the LC50 value for monochloramine in juvenile chinook salmon and accounts for 94.4% of the variability in the experimental data. Predictions of acute toxicity were less reliable for concentrations in the range 0.5 mg/L to 0.8 mg/L since the time to 50% mortality (LT50) value varied substantially in this range. Post-exposure mortality occurred only with exposures of >0.67 mg/L monochloramine. Feeding fish immediately before and during acute monochloramine exposure created a large chloramine demand in test chambers. In all tests where fish were fed, measured monochloramine concentrations were below detectable levels (<10 μg/L) and no fish mortality occurred. Monochloramine toxicity to the freshwater invertebrate Ceriodaphnia dubia was studied with time-to-lethality tests at 26 different concentrations. The equation LC50 = 61600t-1.0748 predicted the LC50 value for monochloramine in C. dubia and accounted for 94.8% of the variability in the experimental data. The mathematical equations that describe the LC50 for juvenile chinook salmon and C. dubia were used as reference lines for the evaluation of relative monochloramine toxicity. Both juvenile chinook salmon and C. dubia were among the most sensitive fish and aquatic invertebrate species, respectively, C. dubia being more sensitive than juvenile chinook salmon for exposure durations >30 minutes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 655 ◽  
pp. 185-198
Author(s):  
J Weil ◽  
WDP Duguid ◽  
F Juanes

Variation in the energy content of prey can drive the diet choice, growth and ultimate survival of consumers. In Pacific salmon species, obtaining sufficient energy for rapid growth during early marine residence is hypothesized to reduce the risk of size-selective mortality. In order to determine the energetic benefit of feeding choices for individuals, accurate estimates of energy density (ED) across prey groups are required. Frequently, a single species is assumed to be representative of a larger taxonomic group or related species. Further, single-point estimates are often assumed to be representative of a group across seasons, despite temporal variability. To test the validity of these practices, we sampled zooplankton prey of juvenile Chinook salmon to investigate fine-scale taxonomic and temporal differences in ED. Using a recently developed model to estimate the ED of organisms using percent ash-free dry weight, we compared energy content of several groups that are typically grouped together in growth studies. Decapod megalopae were more energy rich than zoeae and showed family-level variability in ED. Amphipods showed significant species-level variability in ED. Temporal differences were observed, but patterns were not consistent among groups. Bioenergetic model simulations showed that growth rate of juvenile Chinook salmon was almost identical when prey ED values were calculated on a fine scale or on a taxon-averaged coarse scale. However, single-species representative calculations of prey ED yielded highly variable output in growth depending on the representative species used. These results suggest that the latter approach may yield significantly biased results.


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