FY 2016 Newaukum Creek Juvenile Out-Migrant Evaluation

A rotary screw trap was used from January 18, 2017 - July 17, 2017 to collect and sample juvenile out-migrant Chinook, as well as coho, chum, pink and steelhead found in Newaukum Creek. Data collected was used to estimate juvenile abundance and productivity of out-migrant Chinook and coho. Chinook spawning ground surveys were conducted to supplement existing spawner surveys (to establish escapement estimates) to improve egg-to-emigrant survival estimates and establish pre-spawn mortality rates for Chinook returning to Newaukum Creek. Approximately 70% of funds were dedicated towards monitoring and the remainder was directed at research activities.

Note: the tribe initially was using their awards to fund activities associated with specific brood years which resulted having multiple awards being spent concurrently although they both contain the same scope. NWIFC has encouraged the tribe to spend the funds in a first-in, first-out fashion to reduce confusion in reporting and inadvertantly prolonging projects. In this case this project was finished earlier because invoicing was directed toward the earliest award first. Also wild salmonid tagging/making study worktype was reported per NOAA recommendation to capture the smolt trap efficiency marking.

The primary goal of this study is to monitor and better understand Puget Sound Chinook abundance, and juvenile productivity within Newaukum Creek.

The purpose of the project is to: 1) estimate juvenile abundance and productivity of out-migrant Chinook and coho salmon in Newaukum Creek; 2) understand the emigration timing, health, and condition of salmonids in Newaukum Creek; and 3) obtain main stem redd count data on lower 5.7 miles of Newaukum Creek to assess the cumulative effects, trends, and recovery actions on juvenile salmon abundance, health, and productivity over time.