Location
UMass Amherst
Start Date
28-6-2011 11:20 AM
End Date
28-6-2011 11:40 AM
Description
Reliable effectiveness estimates of upstream fish ways are critical for an objective evaluation of diadromous fish restoration programs. A telemetry based approach is best because you can know the denominator in the ratio (#passed upstream I #available to pass upstream) and evaluate residency time. Conceptually this approach is simple; in practice it is not at all easy. The most important aspect is having people with a great deal of experience in collecting and handling fish for experimental purposes do the collections and tagging. If that is not done well, the probability of a failed experiment is high. Secondly, demonstrated experience and success in the use of the telemetry gear and analyses and interpretation of resulting data are critical for success. Considerations in the study design include: fundamental and straightforward question(s) to be addressed; where, when, and how fish ·will be collected and released; who will collect and tag fish; what sample size ·will produce defensible results; where will you monitor fish; how will you define which fish are included in the denominator. Collection and tagging procedures often result in a downstream movement as part of the stress response. Anticipating this behavior and building it into an experimental design is an important consideration. Establishing a boundary below the project to determine the value of the denominator in the above ratio is critical for the lowermost project in a river, and recommended for all projects. Interpreting results relative to passage effectiveness and residency time criteria can be problematic. This topic alone can be the basis of a conference session. Several empirical studies will be used to elucidate the points made herein.
Session B4- Considerations that are imperative for reliable evaluations of upstream passage
UMass Amherst
Reliable effectiveness estimates of upstream fish ways are critical for an objective evaluation of diadromous fish restoration programs. A telemetry based approach is best because you can know the denominator in the ratio (#passed upstream I #available to pass upstream) and evaluate residency time. Conceptually this approach is simple; in practice it is not at all easy. The most important aspect is having people with a great deal of experience in collecting and handling fish for experimental purposes do the collections and tagging. If that is not done well, the probability of a failed experiment is high. Secondly, demonstrated experience and success in the use of the telemetry gear and analyses and interpretation of resulting data are critical for success. Considerations in the study design include: fundamental and straightforward question(s) to be addressed; where, when, and how fish ·will be collected and released; who will collect and tag fish; what sample size ·will produce defensible results; where will you monitor fish; how will you define which fish are included in the denominator. Collection and tagging procedures often result in a downstream movement as part of the stress response. Anticipating this behavior and building it into an experimental design is an important consideration. Establishing a boundary below the project to determine the value of the denominator in the above ratio is critical for the lowermost project in a river, and recommended for all projects. Interpreting results relative to passage effectiveness and residency time criteria can be problematic. This topic alone can be the basis of a conference session. Several empirical studies will be used to elucidate the points made herein.
Comments
Tim Brush has been studying diadromous fish passage, population restoration, and biology for 28 years. He has managed scores of studies in the Connecticut, Susquehanna, Santee-Cooper, Columbia, Willamette, Menominee, and Wisconsin rivers. He is a member of the: ASMFC Fish Passage Workgroup and ASMFC American Eel Advisory Panel;EPRI American Eel Interest Group; Past President of the AFS Bioengineering Section; Past Vice President and Director of National Hydropower Association; a nominee to the Connecticut River Joint Commissions. Tim earned an M.S. in Wildlife Management from Frostburg State College and a B.S. in biology from Waynesburg College.