Evaluation of a new PIT tag antenna for large, deep, flashy river/canal systems

Project ID: 6448
Principal Investigator: Cathy Karp
Research Topic: Fish Passage and Entrainment
Funded Fiscal Years: 2015, 2016 and 2017
Keywords: river reach passage success, pit tag

Research Question

Adult and juvenile salmonids migrate through river systems in which flows have been altered by Reclamation dams. Minimum flow requirements are not always based on science, rather, on human needs. No inexpensive and longterm tool exists to determine the success of both outmigrating juveniles and upstream migrating adults. Our question is:

How effective is a new vertical PIT tag antenna system at estimating juvenile salmonid outmigration and adult steelhead upstream migration in large flashy river/canals.

Need and Benefit

Many native fishes continue to decline in western rivers, due in part to river regulation. Determination of flows necessary to sustain key life history traits is critical to reversing the widespread declines. Reclamation is uniquely positioned to test minimum flow requirements and other releases below its' dams, and to use the best available tool to determine the best release scenario for all interests. No other telemetry systems exist to determine multi-year survival of migrating salmonids in remote critical reach sections in large river/canal systems. Once flow effects on key life history stages (e.g., juvenile outmigrating salmonids) is better understood, Reclamation can then work to release flows suitable for fish as well as humans.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Evaluation of a new PIT tag antenna for large, deep, flashy river/canal systems (final, PDF, 2.8MB)
By Phil Peterson, Michael J. Horn
Research Product completed on September 30, 2017

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

Evaluation of a new PIT tag antenna for large, deep, flashy river/canal systems (final, PDF, 2.8MB)
By Phil Peterson, Michael J. Horn
Research Product completed on September 30, 2017

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20