The Use of Juvenile Chinook Otoliths Related to Restoration Efforts on the Nisqually River
Presentation Abstract
The Nisqually Fall Chinook salmon population is one of 27 stocks in the Puget Sound evolutionary significant unit (ESU) listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Preservation and extensive restoration of the Nisqually delta ecosystem has taken place to assist in recovery of the stock as juvenile Fall Chinook salmon are dependent upon the estuary. Furthermore, a Chinook salmon recovery priority of the Nisqually Indian Tribe is to develop a self-sustaining, naturally spawning population. Currently, this population consists of offspring from both hatchery and natural spawners. Baseline information that includes characterization of life history types, estuary residence times, growth rates, and habitat use is essential to evaluating the potential response of hatchery and natural origin Chinook salmon to restoration efforts and in determining restoration success. Otolith analysis was selected as a means to examine Chinook salmon life history, growth, and residence in the Nisqually Estuary pre- and post-restoration. This research has developed into a collaborative effort with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and other U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers involving extensive post-restoration monitoring of the Nisqually delta as related to the response of the delta in support of Chinook salmon. We will report on differential usage of the Nisqually estuary and the expression of life history diversity by natural and hatchery reared juvenile Chinook salmon preceding and following restoration efforts.
Session Title
Session S-05F: Ecosystem Restoration: Geomorphic Context, Design Considerations, and Success Stories
Conference Track
Restoration
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
1-5-2014 5:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2014 6:30 PM
Location
Room 6C
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Chinook salmon--Habitat--Washington (State)--Nisqually River Estuary; Otoliths--Washington (State)--Nisqually River Estuary--Analysis
Subjects – Names (LCNAF)
Nisqually Indian Tribe; Geological Survey (U.S.)
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Nisqually River Estuary (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
The Use of Juvenile Chinook Otoliths Related to Restoration Efforts on the Nisqually River
Room 6C
The Nisqually Fall Chinook salmon population is one of 27 stocks in the Puget Sound evolutionary significant unit (ESU) listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Preservation and extensive restoration of the Nisqually delta ecosystem has taken place to assist in recovery of the stock as juvenile Fall Chinook salmon are dependent upon the estuary. Furthermore, a Chinook salmon recovery priority of the Nisqually Indian Tribe is to develop a self-sustaining, naturally spawning population. Currently, this population consists of offspring from both hatchery and natural spawners. Baseline information that includes characterization of life history types, estuary residence times, growth rates, and habitat use is essential to evaluating the potential response of hatchery and natural origin Chinook salmon to restoration efforts and in determining restoration success. Otolith analysis was selected as a means to examine Chinook salmon life history, growth, and residence in the Nisqually Estuary pre- and post-restoration. This research has developed into a collaborative effort with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and other U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers involving extensive post-restoration monitoring of the Nisqually delta as related to the response of the delta in support of Chinook salmon. We will report on differential usage of the Nisqually estuary and the expression of life history diversity by natural and hatchery reared juvenile Chinook salmon preceding and following restoration efforts.
