2021 Enhanced Predatory Fish Removal and Relocation Study

The Enhanced Predatory Fish Removal and Relocation Study (EPFRRS) was developed as part of the proposed action during the 2019 Reinitiation of Consultation on Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (ROC on LTO) and was included in the Incidental Take Permit for the State Water Project (SWP ITP). The goal of EPFRRS is to use the most successful methods from previous studies, such as the Predator Reduction Electrofishing Study (PRES) and the Predatory Fish Relocation Study (PFRS), to reduce predation on protected fish species in Clifton Court Forebay (CCF), primarily juvenile Chinook Salmon and steelhead.

The 2021 field season of EPFRRS ran from March 8 through May 12, following a two-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there was a 2-week pause during the field season, beginning on April 14 and running through April 27, due to COVID-19 concerns. There were four gear types used during the 2021 field season; electrofishing, beach seine, hoop traps, and hook-and-line.