Challenges of implementing a multi-agency monitoring and adaptive management strategy for federally threatened Chinook salmon and steelhead trout during and after dam removal in the Elwha River

Frontiers in Environmental Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: July 19, 2024

Adaptive management, a process of planning, implementing, and evaluating management strategies, is often recommended for monitoring ecological systems. However, few examples successful implementation retrospective case studies exist. We provide study adaptively managing hatchery-assisted protection recovery Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) winter steelhead trout O. mykiss during after the removal two large mainstem dams in Elwha River, WA. summarize key aspects adaptive plan over last decade highlight successes, challenges, complications plan’s implementation. The Monitoring Management Guidelines included trigger-based system moving through four phases that preservation, recolonization, local adaptation, viable natural population, each with differing levels hatchery production as actions. component has been very successful, providing critical data to guide actions otherwise may not have occurred and, opportunistically, provided other native species River. Implementing mixed results was at times hindered by divergent goals among project partners, inflexibility Endangered Species Act regulatory requirements implemented this project, conflicting information guidance documents. learned some metrics triggers were ill-defined or too difficult measure field. In cases, performance indicators and/or successfully modified incorporate what learned; however, we unable revise values due opinions partners. ability reach consensus on revised appeared be influenced trajectory involved. strategy resulted substantial collaboration learning, which but imperfect. Sufficient long-term funding necessary implement well-designed program could benefit from including defined leadership position shepherd facilitate multi-stakeholder program. Additionally, incorporating into legally binding conditions under feasible, requires pre-planning close coordination agencies.

Language: Английский

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Exploring the effect of 195 years-old locks on species movement: landscape genetics of painted turtles in the Rideau Canal, Canada

Conservation Genetics, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 23(3), P. 467 - 479

Published: Jan. 20, 2022

Language: Английский

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A dynamic dendritic connectivity assessment tool for the planning and design of barrier mitigation strategies in river networks

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(6), P. 1431 - 1446

Published: March 20, 2023

Abstract Context Increasing fragmentation of rivers caused by barriers continues to impact watersheds, especially disruption fish migration patterns and loss access spawning nursery habitats. Infrastructure expansion ageing installations exacerbate the problem, reducing effectiveness management in addressing barriers. Reduction watershed connectivity requires effective tools capable guiding river managers remediation actions. Objectives Our objective was develop a dynamic assessment tool (D-CAT), customizable geospatial analyses at varying scales. The uses proven modelling combined with an evaluation approach provide measurable change model outcomes. Methods Three different barrier encounter scenarios were examined using D-CAT study connectivity. tested on area River Derwent, major tributary Trent system United Kingdom. Results For each scenario tested, indicated which could be removed or modified greatest improvement. provided prioritized list for under choices number remove, demonstrating utility planning design. Conclusions is built handle geographical data variable user input, allowing in-depth analysis. forecasts cumulative effects alternative connectivity, providing prioritization optimization removal strategies. offers significant support landscape towards better removal/remediation decisions.

Language: Английский

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A new genomic resource to enable standardized surveys of SNPs across the native range of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Molecular Ecology Resources, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 16, 2023

Abstract Understanding how genetic diversity is distributed across spatiotemporal scales in species of conservation or management concern critical for identifying large‐scale mechanisms affecting local status and implementing biodiversity monitoring programmes. However, cross‐scale surveys are often impractical within single studies, combining datasets to increase coverage frequently impeded by using different sets molecular markers. Recently developed tools make based on standardized single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels more feasible than ever, but require existing genomic information. Here, we conduct the first survey genome‐wide SNPs native range brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ), a cold‐adapted that has been focus considerable effort eastern North America. Our dataset can be leveraged easily design SNP allow combined analyses. We performed restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing wild from 82 locations spanning much domestic 24 hatchery strains used stocking efforts. identified over 24,000 throughout genome. explored ability these resolve relationships spatial scales, including population structure admixture. captures wide spectrum trout, offering valuable resource developing panels. highlight potential applications this with goal increasing integration information into decision‐making other concern.

Language: Английский

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Rapid Colonization of Upstream Habitats by Oncorhynchus Mykiss Following Culvert Modification

North American Journal of Fisheries Management, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 42(5), P. 1173 - 1184

Published: June 25, 2022

Abstract Habitat fragmentation threatens the persistence of fish populations, and road crossings (e.g., culverts) are particularly problematic because they globally ubiquitous can block access to critical habitats. Barrier removal or modifications that allow upstream result in expanded distributions, increased abundances, gene flow among historically isolated populations. Actions promote connectivity, flow, potential expression multiple life history forms anadromy Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp.) thought buffer against extinction increasingly important given high rates imperilment for many species. We collected genetic samples from juvenile O. mykiss (anadromous steelhead resident Rainbow Trout) prior following modification a culvert served as historical barrier movement tested changes composition through time. Prior modification, levels diversity were low differentiation with reference collections anadromous was high. After treatment, we observed diversity, larger estimates effective population size, decreased steelhead, indicating an influx individuals downstream population. Using inexpensive genetic‐based monitoring approach, show rapid reestablishment connectivity between

Language: Английский

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