Ich Sampling to inform need for Fall Flows Hoopa Valley Reservation

Project Objective: The 2017 Record of Decision allows increased flows from Trinity Reservoir to mitigate hazardous conditions in the Lower Klamath River. This project would quantify Ich trophonts in the gills of salmon to see if the trigger for additional releases were met.



Project Description: One of the triggers for additional releases from Trinity Lake listed in the 2017 ROD is high infection levels of Ich on adult returning salmon. There has not been a funding source to carry out this monitoring on the Trinity River. As a result, sampling has been limited, based on available resources. This project would formalize the sampling frequency and number of samples to ensure managers have the necessary information to make these flow decisions. Starting in August crews will take a random sample of 10 gill arches per day 5 days per week through mid-September. These data will be tabulated and provided to the FAR’s group at the weekly calls.

Project Benefits: Accurate information through the management window will ensure informed flow decisions are being made. This flow action has been instrumental in preventing a repeat of the fish kill of 2002. Given the dry hydrologic conditions of this water year having good real time information will be critical.