Salmonids, including Pacific salmon and trout, are an important component of the ecological function and economy for western North America. However, natural disturbances and an increasing number of human-caused disturbances are resulting in both acute and chronic impacts to salmonids. Any effort to preserve these species should recognize that, while each salmonid species is unique, certain fundamental biological requirements are the basis for all management, recovery or protection initiatives for salmonid streams.
In this course, build your 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
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.