DWROTAT2004

The Yolo Bypass has been identified as a high restoration priority. The restoration projects currently being considered are to: 1) improve passage for upstream-migrating fish such as salmon and sturgeon; 2) reduce fish stranding risks for native fishes; and 3) provide rearing habitat for native fishes. However, there are substantial data gaps that must be filled to design and operate restoration plans, develop performance metrics for evaluation of restoration actions, and assess fisheries risks.

Our proposed studies will address these data gaps for each of the above restoration actions. Acoustic telemetry studies will use surrogate species to help inform fish passage operations and adaptive management for Yolo Bypass projects that have been completed, are under construction, or being pursued under the California EcoRestore initiative or other similar restoration efforts. The goal is to develop a conceptual model on fish movement in the Yolo Bypass that can be used to inform DWR and Reclamation management strategies.

Central Valley fall-run Chinook Salmon ESU will serve as a surrogate to Sacramento River winter-run Chinook Salmon ESU, Central Valley spring-run Chinook Salmon ESU, and Central Valley steelhead DPS. White Sturgeon A. transmontanus will serve as a surrogate species for sDPS of North American Green Sturgeon. The detection data for salmon and sturgeon from both groups will be incorporated into the Post-Construction Evaluation Monitoring Plan.

Sturgeon tagging began in 2004, and fall-run Chinook tagging began in 2012.