Fish Disease Dynamics in the Klamath River 2014

This project consisted of collecting monthly samples of polychaete worms from the Klamath River to assess their infection rate with a deadly fish parasite known as C Shasta. Samples were collected from two study location in the upper portion of the Klamath River near Iron Gate Dam, and submitted to Oregon State University for sorting and DNA analysis using a separate funding source. The polychaete worms have been collected, and the samples are in the process of being sorted and analyzed by OSU. Additional in-river sampling was done to monitor for another fish disease known at Ichthyophthirius multifiliis.

Project goals: Determine the fish disease dynamics, including possible causative and contributing factors in the mainstem Klamath River over a 12 month period. Help monitor the efficacy of management action to reduce the disease infectivity of salmonids the Klamath River.

Expected outcomes: The data from this project is part of a larger coordinated effort to understand this disease that is having a significant effect to the fisheries resources of the Klamath River. This project will result in a final report that will be made available to the public on the Internet within one year of the completion of the field work.

PCSRF Goals, Objectives, and Priorities addressed: Understanding the life history and geographic distribution of important fish diseases in the Klamath River basin, is a crucial first step toward devising management strategies to reduce the impacts of these devastating disease. Reduction of impacts of disease would fulfill many of the goals and objectives of the PCSRF including improving the status of ESA-listed coho salmon and ensuring the overall sustainability of naturally-spawning Pacific salmon and steelhead.

Pacific Salmon Recovery Funds may also be used to augment Yurok Tribal participation in the following research projects or tasks that are partially funded by other sources: 1) assisting enumeration of wild spring Chinook adult salmon in the Salmon River; 2) monitoring disease pathogens of adult salmonids; 3) an assessment of the magnitude, species composition, and distribution of spawning in the mainstem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam; and 4) an investigation into the probable but undocumented presence of the disease vector polychaete worm, Manyunkia speciosa, in the Trinity River. This project will allow the Yurok Tribe to foster development of partnerships with federal, state, and local governments as it seeks to improve management activities affecting Klamath River salmon.