Introduction:
Current steelhead monitoring programs throughout the Central Valley lack statistical power (the ability to detect a significant pattern), are not standardized throughout the region, and in many cases lack dedicated funding. Many monitoring programs in the Central Valley are narrowly focused on Chinook salmon due to their commercial importance. Projects designed to monitor Chinook salmon abundance, distribution, and population trends are inappropriate for monitoring steelhead due to differences in life history patterns between the two species.

The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive monitoring plan for Central Valley steelhead, which when implemented, will provide fishery managers the data necessary to assess steelhead population status and trends. This information is necessary as part of an overall strategy to ensure steelhead conservation and is critical to moving forward on numerous management and recovery efforts.

The benefits of developing a monitoring program include:
 

•  Providing a sound basis for implementing protective measures and assessing recovery of listed stocks;
• Assisting in the evaluation of restoration projects, such as those implemented and funded through the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, the Anadromous Fish Restoration Program, and California Bay-Delta Authority;
• Fulfilling regulatory needs to assess and quantify population impacts from authorized activities such as water diversions, fisheries, and hatchery programs;
• Evaluating the contribution of hatchery fish to Central Valley steelhead populations;
• Providing life history information helpful to improve the management of steelhead in the Central Valley.

Existing Program Review:
The first phase of the project is to review and critique all existing steelhead monitoring programs in the Central Valley. The program review will identify sampling protocols, project strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations for additional monitoring projects. A first draft of the existing program review will be available in February 2008, the final draft in May 2008.

Comprehensive Monitoring Plan:
The comprehensive monitoring plan will develop a spatially and temporally balanced sampling protocol that when implemented will allow for statistically defensible estimates of population status. The plan will incorporate an adaptive management strategy, and recommend a standardized database structure, as well as standardized reporting techniques. A first draft of the monitoring plan will be available for review in April 2009.

For additional information contact:
Jennifer M. Bergman
Fisheries Biologist
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
California Dept. of Fish and Game
830 "S" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
email: JBERGMAN@dfg.ca.gov