Between July 31 and August 3, 2017, the SJRRP, through its partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, released approximately 90 tagged adult spring-run Chinook salmon (30 females, 60 males) into Reach 1 of the San Joaquin River Restoration Area. This was the second release to take place during summer 2018 with a first release of 89 broodstock (30 females and 59 males) the week of June 12. The fish, which are ancillary broodstock from the breeding program, are tagged with acoustic tags that allow them to be detected and tracked throughout the river via a number of stationary acoustic receivers and mobile tracking units. Program scientists hope the release will provide needed information about fish survival, spawning and summer holding patterns. This summer’s two releases double the number of fish released last year which successfully generated 13 redds and tens of thousands of juveniles (estimated) – the first such verified occurrence in the San Joaquin River in over 60 years. Read more about this historic event here!
The Fisheries Management Work Group is responsible for planning and coordination efforts to implement the fisheries components of the Restoration Goal. Work during 2017 consisted of assisting with broodstock collection and monitoring of potential donor populations; providing input and guidance for fisheries studies, including passage assessments; providing input and guidance for the operation of the Hills Ferry Barrier, flow scheduling and water temperature management; document preparation and submission; and technical input to various Program efforts.
The Fisheries Reintroduction and Restoration Team works closely with the Fisheries Management Work Group in coordinating and completing any permitting requirements to implement the fisheries reintroduction portion of the Settlement and associated studies. It is responsible for planning and coordination of regulatory documents and activities associated with reintroduction of fish into the San Joaquin River through the SJRRP. The members include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Reclamation.
Placing an acoustic transmitter for tracking juvenile spring-run Chinook salmon
Passive Induced Transponder Tag Study to understand how Chinook salmon move through the San Joaquin River
- Video of PIT tagging and fish release – April 2013
- Field Advisory explaining the PIT Tag Study