Graduation Date
Spring 2017
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources: option Environmental Science and Management
Committee Chair Name
Alison O'Dowd
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
James Graham
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Darren Ward
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Environmental Science and Management
Abstract
In Northern California’s Eel River watershed, the two dams that make up the Potter Valley Project (PVP) restrict the distribution and production of anadromous salmonids, and current populations of Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (O. mykiss) in the upper mainstem Eel River are in need of recovery. In anticipation of the upcoming FERC relicensing of the PVP, this project provides an estimation of the extent of potential salmonid habitat and its capacity for steelhead trout and Chinook Salmon in the upper mainstem Eel River watershed above the impassable Scott Dam. Using three fish passage scenarios, potential Chinook Salmon habitat was estimated between 89-127 km (55-79 mi) for spawning and rearing; potential steelhead trout habitat was estimated between 318-463 km (198-288 mi) for spawning and between 179-291 km (111-181 mi) for rearing. Rearing habitat capacity was modeled with the Unit Characteristic Method, which used surrogate fish density values specific to habitat units (i.e. pools, riffles, runs) that were adjusted by measured habitat conditions. Redd capacity was modeled and resulted in up to ten times the number of spawners compared to those recruited from parr capacity estimates using life stage-specific survival rates. Capacity for rearing juveniles was suggested to be most limiting to production for both Chinook Salmon and steelhead trout, although more accurate survival rates for all life stages for each species is needed. Ample potential spawning habitat, however, suggests an opportunity for spawners to saturate the stream seedbank for egg recruits, and as rearing capacity is reached in the streams above Scott Dam, subsequent juveniles may then emigrate to non-natal habitat downstream of Scott Dam.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Cooper, Emily J., "An estimation of potential salmonid habitat capacity in the upper mainstem Eel River, California" (2017). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 19.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/19
Comments
Original degree title: Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources, option Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences