THE IMPACT OF river flow fluctuations on salmon in the Calawah River has been researched by the Quileute Tribe and findings reported in the State of Our Watersheds Report released recently by our state’s treaty tribes.
The verdict? An increased amount of winter flooding and lower river flow in the summer is having negative impacts on Calawah River salmon.
Lower water flows in summer amount to higher water temperatures during crucial growth periods, likely killing juvenile salmon before they can leave for the Pacific Ocean. Less fish heading out means less fish returning to spawn.
Floods in winter can flush salmon redds (nests) and have a troublesome impact on young salmon.
The report, available at tinyurl.com/PDN-Study17, states that “since 2010, streamflows for the Calawah River have followed the same overall trends as the previous 35 years — increasing peak flows and decreasing low flows.”
Higher flows, the report says, cause the scouring of streambeds, channel incision (and subsequent disconnection from floodplain), and downstream transport of wood, resulting in simplified stream channels and greater instability. The trend of increasing peak flows has been shown to make streams less productive.
The reduction in streamflows may result in less fish habitat because of dry streambeds or pools becoming cut off from the main channel and stranding fish.
Halibut open Sunday
One more day of recreational halibut fishing will be open Sunday off La Push, Neah Bay and in Marine Areas 5-10.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said sufficient quota remains to open another fishing day in the north coast, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound.
Catch data will be evaluated following Sunday’s opening to determine if enough quota remains for additional fishing days.
If sufficient quota remains the next potential fishing days would be Saturday, June 10, and/or Saturday, June 17.
Hood Canal shrimping
Recreational spot shrimp fishing will reopen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in Hood Canal (Marine Area 12).
Shrimp limit increased
The daily bag limit increased to 120 shrimp for all species including spot shrimp in Marine Areas 6 and 7 West on Thursday Shrimping is open daily.
The previous limit was 80 shrimp.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
