The Ecology of Pacific Salmonids

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

The Ecology of Pacific Salmonids
Course ID: BIO-303 (2 days)
August 31 - September 1, 2009 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
NWETC Headquarters
650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98108

Instructors:
Joseph E. Merz, Ph.D. Principal Scientist; Cramer Fish Sciences

Registration | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog | Course Brochure (PDF)

Description: Salmonids, including Pacific salmon and trout, are an important component of the ecological function and economy for western North America. Salmon and trout of the Pacific Coast have evolved in spite of natural disturbances such as floods, fires, volcanoes, wind-throw and disease. In fact, these influences have helped each species maintain their resiliency.

Natural disturbances tend to be relatively severe but localized, allowing for ecosystem recovery. However, human-caused disturbances may have a magnitude so great that irreversible changes to the aquatic community may occur or increase the severity of impacts from natural disturbances (e.g., flooding), having both acute and chronic impacts to salmonids. Human activities can also cause such widespread gradual changes across the landscape that the recovery potential of individual ecosystems or their components, including salmonid stocks, is altered.

While each salmonid species is unique, the genetic diversity within species across drainages may be as significant as those found across different species. Yet, certain fundamental biological requirements are the basis for all management, recovery or protection initiatives for salmonid streams. This course provides a greater understanding of:

• The life stages of salmon and trout in both coastal and inland streams, and the habitat requirements applicable to each stage

• How substrate quality and hydraulic flow affect spawning behavior and redd success

• How habitat features, instream complexity, bank structure and large woody debris influence success of salmonids at different life stages

• How water chemistry, water temperature and food availability impact trout and salmon behavior and/or physiology

• How migration patterns can be impeded or enhanced by changes in flow, water quality, barriers or obstacles

Day 1 tentative schedule:

9:00 AM - Introduction and Overview
Why are salmonids important?
What Is the Difference Between a Salmon and a Trout?
Salmonid species
Origins of the Pacific North American Salmon

10:45 AM Break

11:00 AM - Salmonid physiology
Anatomy
Processes
Life stages

12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM - Adults
Spawning Populations
Timing of Spawning Runs
Timing of Spawning
Redd Characteristics
Fecundity
Spawning
Egg Deposition

3:00 PM - Freshwater Residence and Downstream Migration
Incubation and Survival
Eggs and Alevins
Emergence and Fry
Juveniles
Parr
Smolts
Emigration

3:30 PM - Estuaries

4:30-5:00 PM Adjourn

Day 2 tentative schedule:

9:00 AM Prey and Predators
Salmonids as predators- Trout and salmon food habits in fresh water
Salmonids as Prey

10:15 PM Break

10:30 PM Physical parameters
Physiology
Temperature Requirements
Dissolved Oxygen Requirements
Stress, what is it and how is it measured?
Habitat Impacts, mitigation and restoration

12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM The 4 H’s – hydro, habitat, hatcheries, and harvest

2:00 PM Ocean Ecology
Climate, Topography and the Marine Environment

3:30 PM Hatchery Effects
Hatchery issues associated with Pacific salmonids

4:30 PM Class Ends

This course will provide general information on:

- Origins and evolution of Pacific North American Salmon;
- Life stages of salmon and trout in both coastal and inland streams and
- The habitat requirements applicable to each stage;
- Substrate quality and hydraulic flow affecting spawning behavior and redd success;
- How habitat features, instream complexity, bank structure and large woody debris influence success of salmonids at different lifestages;
- How water chemistry, water temperature and food availability impact trout and salmon behavior; and
- How migration patterns can be impeded or enhanced by changes in flow, water quality, barriers or obstacles

Intended Audience: This course is specifically designed for practitioners and agency personnel, including biologists, ecologists, hydrologists, planners and regulators involved with stream issues specifically dealing with salmonids, water supply and quality issues.

This course is immediately followed by: "Pacific Salmonid Spawning Habitat Restoration - Design, Implementation and Monitoring of In-Stream Habitat Improvement Projects in Regulated Streams and Rivers" by Joe E. Merz September 2-3, 2009, and Fish Passage September 4, 2009.

Prerequisites: None

About the Instructor: Joseph E. Merz, Ph.D., is a registered scientist with the American Fisheries Society. He has over 18 years experience working with aquatic resources and has been the principal scientist on several salmonid habitat restoration programs in the California Central Valley. He has taught environmental science, salmon biology and restoration courses for the past eight years.

Course Materials: Attendees will receive a binder containing workshop proceedings and reference material.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, notepad, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Coffee, tea, breakfast pastries, drinks and snacks will be provided each day. Lunch on your own.

Registration: $495 (*$395 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). An additional $150 Discount applies when registering for all three classes - BIO-303, BIO-304, and BIO-305. You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. You may register via the registration link or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.