Seining Report - 2006/2007
Beach Watchers Gather Fish Usage Data for Race Lagoon
2006 / 2007 Report
Skagit River System Cooperative (SRSC) and Eric Beamer et.al. recently released the 2006/07 Race Lagoon fish usage report. Eric Beamer has worked as a fisheries scientist for the SRSC since 1984. Since 1995, his research has been devoted to estuarine and nearshore juvenile salmon ecology. He has been a frequent lecturer at Sound Waters.
SRSC and NOAA Fisheries have worked closely with Beach Watchers since 2004 gathering juvenile salmon (and other indicator fish species) data. The purpose of the research is to better understand fish habitat usage, including: what species and life history types use pocket estuaries; how connectivity, or position within the larger landscape effects fish use; and how patterns of fish use inform protection and restoration of these systems. The results of these studies can be used to inform local citizens about fish populations currently using their estuary. Additionally, they could be helpful to local planners and other agencies interested in Puget Sound salmon recovery.
During the last two seasons at Race, Beach Watchers have logged over 530 volunteer hours handling nets, identifying, measuring and counting fish, recording data and gathering water quality information. Because of prior year experiences at Harrington Lagoon and Race, this seasoned Race team often conducted field operations independent of NOAA Fisheries direct supervision. They look forward to the start of the 2008 season in February.
When you examine the full Race 2006/07 report , note the change in composition of the fish assemblages between years.
Bob Buck