Seattle’s new Waterfront Park development — a decade and a half and $800 million in the making — includes a rebuilt seawall. It works to reconnect the city to the glittering water of Puget Sound. Baby salmon can be seen swimming past, shining silver glitter amid waving fronds of bull kelp. Right overhead, people walk over glass blocks set in the concrete of the seawall to allow light to pass into the waters of Elliott Bay.
The $330 million replacement seawall was completed in 2017 and has helped accommodate salmon and other aquatic life. Glass blocks and grating in the seawall are a way to be a bit more fish-friendly. Shallowing up the bottom and adding complexity and unevenness to the seawall also provides a place for sea life to grow, rest and feed. It’s a step up, ecologically, from the deep, dark, concrete wall that used to be there, said Jason Toft, principal research scientist at the Wetland Ecosystem Team at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington. Researchers from this team have been instrumental in the restoration work and continued monitoring since the new seawall.
For many students about to embark on their undergraduate journey at university, they plan to study one thing but end up studying something completely different. This was the case for SAFS undergraduate, Ryan Luvera. “Coming into UW, I, along with many of my peers, thought I would go into medicine. However, my blue-collar fishing family genes had other plans. My love for fisheries has devoted me to protecting Washington and Alaska’s waters, which have fed and clothed my family for three generations,” Ryan said. “The SAFS undergraduate degree was an obvious choice for me. The coursework, capstone, and connections I have gained have been invaluable.”
One of the goals of the SAFS degree is to prepare students through classes, lab work and fieldwork, to undertake and lead their own research project as the final requirement of the major – it’s called a capstone. Ryan, who’s in his junior year, decided to get started on his capstone early, using the skills he’s already learned.
Ryan collecting eDNA water samples in Happy Creek.
Storing the eDNA samples taken from the river.
“I’ve always been a fan of practical science. Environmental DNA is a blossoming field which has applications for management of invasive, endangered, and commercially important species. After being accepted to the Alaska Salmon Program for the summer of 2024, I decided to contact Wes Larson from NOAA Fisheries who had done an environmental DNA project already within the Alaska Salmon Program watershed. My capstone focuses on improving the salmon abundance estimation models that he had created,” Ryan shared.
The Alaska Salmon Program hosts UW students each summer to spend a month or more at the field camps to live and work in a diverse ecosystem which supports one of the world’s most important fisheries. For Ryan, he used this time to work on his own capstone research under the guidance of Wes, building on an existing, larger project. Wes happened to be in Alaska at the same time, teaching an eDNA section during the Aquatic Ecological Research in Alaska (AERA) Class for the Alaska Salmon Program, so the timing worked out perfectly for Ryan’s research.
Ryan Luvera
Sockeye Salmon pooled in Hansen Creek.
“The larger project aims to use environmental DNA samples (collected in water) which are taken from the mouth of streams (where the stream enters the lake) to estimate the abundance of salmon within the stream,” Ryan said. “My project is focused on samples taken at several points while walking approximately 1km up two streams. At these set points going up the streams, we counted all the DNA copies that were present. From this, we want to hopefully see an increase in eDNA as water flows past salmon swimming in the stream. Ultimately, this data will help make our models better for estimating salmon abundance with eDNA samples taken at the mouth of streams as we understand how much eDNA is actually making it there, not just settling on rocks or being eaten by microbes.”
Sampling two streams that feed into Lake Aleknagik—Happy and Eagle Creek—Ryan worked with the AERA 2024 class, carrying roughly 120 pounds of water down Happy Creek “It was a rough day. I stayed up all night filtering water and putting the filters into preservative solution which allowed us to store the eDNA at room temperature. We then run a quantitative PCR to count the abundance of DNA within each sample and use that data to understand how eDNA is flowing within these streams. Preliminary results suggest that eDNA is better at flowing to the mouth of streams when there are lots of salmon and even with a higher flow of water.” Ryan said.
During their time at SAFS, undergrads are encouraged to seek out opportunities to enhance their experience at conducting research. Ryan not only found useful opportunities within UW—such as the Alaska Salmon Program field season and SAFS classes—but he also worked with external agencies to gain valuable research experience.
Ryan Luvera
AERA Class of 2024 taking flow measurements of the water.
“Doing any sort of field sampling has been very helpful for my capstone. Not just the experience with field sampling, but also the troubles that come with it. It has really shown me that being prepared for anything is key. As for my degree, the writing classes, like FISH 290, have been pivotal as you create a mock capstone project and learn foundational knowledge in scientific writing and presentation. Doing a quantitative science minor has also been very beneficial, and I think the QSCI series really should be required for the fisheries degree,” Ryan said.
One key thing Ryan would share with other undergraduates is to take those opportunities that may seem strange or a bit of a long shot in the moment. “In terms of external experience, I had no degree specific experience before undergrad, unless you count making tuna sandwiches at Subway as fisheries. As an undergraduate, work snowballs fast. My freshman year, I applied to be an intern at King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) which was a long shot, but it worked out,” Ryan shared. “Taking strange opportunities is important. I got a job with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game because of a conversation with my nurse. Applying and working in a variety of positions has also been key for not only figuring out my path, but it also helps with future applications. Once you work in a position and talk to your mentor/advisor, you will start to understand what these positions are looking for. From there you can apply that knowledge to the next position to exceed their expectations. Working for Alaska Department of Fish and Game was hard, but I learned so much about management and fisheries from different stakeholders. Seeing the fishery from many different angles (research, management, family) has allowed me to become more attractive to employers.”
Ryan Luvera
Makeshift eDNA filtering station which couldn’t be in the lab due to contamination concerns.
A frequently asked question for prospective students thinking of applying to university is about scholarships, and it remains an important question even when working your way through an undergraduate degree. Ryan applied for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship while in high school. “I would recommend anyone in their undergraduate experience who meets the qualifications to apply as the benefits are vast. It’s not only about the money, but the scholarship also allows you to build skills while making connections with potential employers,” Ryan said. “I give credit to the scholarship for giving me a start at King County. They notified me about the opportunity and provided resources, such as peer mentors, who could help with application materials. Now, I am one of their peer mentors for students in their first and second years at UW and Western Washington University. Being able to relay resources that are available specifically through the scholarship, provide support and mentorship, and share information on opportunities such as internships, to other undergrads who were in the same position that I was two short years ago, has been very rewarding.”
So, what’s next for Ryan, once he graduates from SAFS? “I am hoping to go to graduate school here at UW, but we’ll see! Government work is my end goal, probably locally at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) or the Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). That’s where I see myself making the most impact on my community here in Washington.”
Want to learn more about other undergraduate research?
Pacific salmon and Steelhead are vital to many parts of life in the Pacific Northwest, and across western North America. From recreational and commercial fisheries that benefit humans, to providing a food source for birds and marine mammals, while also being central to the cultures of Indigenous Peoples, these species are integral in this part of the world. Historically low abundances led to research which revealed a unique threat to them: polluted stormwater runoff and the presence of the chemical 6PPD-q, which comes from when the chemical 6PPD in vehicle tires reacts ozone in the air.
Samantha-Lynn Martinez
Some Pacific salmon, like coho, are facing historically low abundance, due to stressors such as climate change and urban stormwater runoff. Pictured are coho and chum salmon.
“I have always been interested in how humans impact the environment, and my interest in urbanization and climate change really blossomed in high school,” Amirah shared. “My jumpstart into research began when I took the first ever class as part of the Marine and Coastal Science cohort at Western Washington University (WWU), taught by Dr. Jim Cooper. He taught us about POP’s (persistent organic pollutants) and I was soon working in his lab with chemicals like PCBs and PBDEs.”
After joining the SAFS graduate program, Amirah became a member of the Applied Ecology Lab, advised by Dr. Mark Scheuerell, and reached out to the program manager of the NOAA Ecotox team—Dr. Nat Scholz—to see if there were any opportunities to collaborate. “I told him my two biggest interests were the effects of urbanization and climate change on our natural systems and how I wanted to be a part of the solution. That is when he said: “Oh yeah, you’re one of us” and we have been working together ever since,” Amirah said.
Amirah’s collaborators at the NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) Ecotoxicology Program had an old StoryMap on their website and the EPA website, dating from before 6PPD-q was discovered. Amirah decided she would take on the project of revamping the StoryMap with updated science and engaging elements to share more widely about the stressors that Pacific salmon are facing. “The impacts of stormwater runoff on species like Coho salmon are undeniable,” Amirah said. “Up to 90% mortalities in urban watersheds after storm events is completely unsustainable if there is any hope of recovering these species, and that’s why I became so interested in how these two stressors (urbanization and climate change) impact Pacific salmon.”
Samantha-Lynn Martinez
Amirah Casey is using illustrations such as these graphic designs created by recent UW graduate, Samantha-Lynn Martinez, to demonstrate how chemicals end up in waterways and impact salmon.
Two big elements were new in Amirah’s version of the StoryMap. One was updated information, compiled over decades of research on this topic by the NOAA Ecotox team. “My role in this project was to sort through all the folders of images and videos collected by NOAA and select which would tell the best story, and likewise go through linked resources such as articles, YouTube videos and peer-reviewed literature that would support readers looking for more information,” Amirah said. “As someone who has worked on stormwater for so many years, the insights and narratives provided by Nat Scholz were invaluable in telling this story.”
The second new element were original graphics, videos and photographs, created and taken by Samantha-Lynn Martinez, a recent graduate of the UW Marine Biology program. “I met with Samantha-Lynn during a SEAS outreach event, and she had shared some of her work with salmon and stormwater, and a lightbulb went off in my head,” Amirah shared. “I really wanted to be able to work with her to take images and videos, and create graphics for the StoryMap—and get paid for her work—so that’s when I applied for the Future Rivers support funding and was able to hire Samantha-Lynn for her amazing graphic design and photography.”
Check out the easily accessible and engaging StoryMap, “Pacific Salmon at a Crossroads”, to learn more about the story of urban stormwater runoff and climate change, and to dive in to more resources and open-source papers on the subject.
50 years ago in 1974, Judge George Boldt made a ruling in the case of U.S. v. Washington State, which upheld Tribal treaty-reserved fishing rights. This upheld the Tribe’s entitlement to half the harvestable number of salmon returning to or passing through the Tribes’ usual and accustomed fishing places, and established the Tribes as co-managers of the salmon resource with the state. It also required the state to take actions to sustain the resources, mentioned directly in the ruling: “The most fundamental prerequisite to exercising the right to take fish is the existence of fish to be taken.” This became known as the Boldt Decision.
50 years later on November 21, 2024, the UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) hosted this year’s annual Bevan Seminar as a special one-day symposium reflecting on Tribal fisheries, their co-management since this landmark decision, and what the the next 50 years will look like for Washington fisheries. Centering on Tribal voices, the symposium heard from Tribal leaders, elders, scientists, artists and lawyers, through a series of panels and Q&A discussions.
Many of us working or studying at the University of Washington hadn’t heard about the Boldt Decision until recently. As someone relatively new to both UW and to Washington, this was certainly true for me. When sitting through the symposium, I wondered how many others might be unaware of this ruling, why it came about, and its impact on two core parts of Washington: salmon and the Tribes.
Niamh Owen-McLaughlin
Director of SAFS, Tim Essington, gives his opening address.
Beginning the event with a prayer from Phil Hamilton from the Muckleshoot Tribe and an opening address from SAFS Director, Tim Essington, members of the audience heard about the stories and people behind the Boldt Decision. Discussions covered why salmon are so important to Washington Tribes – culturally, spiritually, economically – and accounts of the struggles to uphold Treaty-reserved fishing rights. The 200 or so members of the audience were also reminded by Chairman Jaison Elkins from the Muckleshoot Tribe that: “If you want to be a good fisherman, you need to be a good biologist. Our Tribes have always believed in science and observations to protect our salmon.”
One of the strong messages emerging from the event was the need to protect salmon, in the face of many threats including climate change, and for a whole host of reasons including subsistence, economic development, cultural practices, and conservation. Scott Schuyler from the Upper Skagit Tribe told us that: “When our ancestors signed the Treaty, they sacrificed everything to reserve this right to fish in perpetuity. What it means, is when the fish are gone, it’s diminished the right and value of the Treaty.” As pointed out by Mary Neil, a member of the Lummi Nation and attorney for the Muckleshoot Tribe, and whose decision to attend law school was partly because of the Boldt Decision, the fight isn’t just for fishing rights and the ability to fish, “but to protect our way of life.”
An important reason for SAFS hosting this event was to help educate those in our programs, and in the wider community both internally and externally to UW (me included), about what exactly the Boldt Decision was, and its lasting impact on Tribal fisheries in Washington. The first panel of the day did just this as it focused on the challenges, successes, and opportunities for co-management. A strong message heard during this panel was the way Tribes have taken a hearts and mind approach to co-management: “Telling the State what’s in our heart but telling them in a way in which the State understands – technically”.
Niamh Owen-McLaughlin
The event heard unique insights into the challenges, successes and future of co-management of fisheries in Washington.
Another recurring theme, and a challenge faced by Tribes, was the need to re-educate co-managers on their treaty rights, especially as new people come in with changes in local, state, and federal government every few years. This highlighted how the younger generation of scientists coming out of institutions such as the fisheries program at UW, have a key role in learning from Tribes and being a part of that ongoing re-education when working in future careers in public, private and government sectors. “It shouldn’t just be Tribal people reminding the government of the law of the land, it should be everyone”, said Maia Bellon from Cascadia Law Group.
The second panel discussed sustaining Tribal fisheries for the next 50 years. Apart from acknowledging the mass of sustainability challenges – particularly for salmon which require intact ecosystems from the land to the sea – we were also reminded that it is the joint responsibility of everyone to ensure the sustainability of fisheries. This responsibility doesn’t fall solely at the hands of the Tribes.
Finishing up the panel session part of the day was a discussion of Tribal fisheries’ cultural resiliency and food sovereignty during a time of climate change. A central takeaway was the need for Tribes to be sitting at management tables with equal status by being present in management schemes and policy strategy discussions, at every step of the way.
To end the day, SAFS PhD student, Nicole Doran, who helped organize the event, led a Q&A discussion about dos and don’ts for respectful research collaboration with Tribes, with participation from Vanessa Castle (Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Ridges to Riffles) and Ashley Nicole Lewis (Quinault Nation, Bad Ash Outdoors). Starting from a place of trust-building and relationship-building is essential and should precede any collaborative work with Tribes. Traditional ecological knowledge is not something that should be co-opted by non-Indigenous scientists because it removes that knowledge from the communities and from places where that knowledge was developed.
Niamh Owen-McLaughlin
Nicole Doran (SAFS PhD student), Vanessa Castle (Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Ridges to Riffles) and Ashley Nicole Lewis (Quinault Nation, Bad Ash Outdoors), conduct a Q&A session on dos and don’ts for respectful research collaboration with Tribes.
“We also talked a lot about consent – it’s really important to establish clear boundaries with collaborators, especially over data ownership, the intentions behind a collaboration, and the objectives of the project. ‘No means no’ definitely applies here, and if you are not sure what a collaborator’s boundaries are, it is always important to ask,” Nicole shared. “Putting in the work before starting the work” was another strong message coming through the Q&A session. Before reaching out to a Tribe, familiarize yourself with the Tribe you are interested in working with, find out who would be the best person to connect with, and really take the time to examine what your own intentions are.
“During this event, the UW community was incredibly fortunate to hear – and learn from – leaders and elders from different Washington Tribes,” Tim Essington said in his closing address. “The success of this symposium will be judged by what happens next – how we work to teach our graduate and undergraduate students about Tribal treaty rights, and how we meaningfully engage in our shared responsibility to protect our aquatic ecosystems.”
We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the panelists who joined us and made this event possible, and who took the time to provide their unique insights into the challenges, successes and future of co-management of fisheries in Washington:
Every November, UW recognizes Native American History Month, celebrating the traditions, cultures, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. For more information and resources, click here.
Preliminary data shows that the team captured more fish in sampling efforts this year than they did in 2021 when comparing fish densities within the nets.
Monitoring efforts measure fish presence and density, insect abundance, and fish feeding habits within the newly restored area. The team also monitors nearby Jack Block Park, which represents a more natural shoreline not being restored to use as a reference and comparison for the team’s measurements. Similar monitoring efforts were conducted in 2021, before the new habitat was constructed, so the team would have a baseline to compare to.
The goal of restoring habitat is to provide higher quality food for juvenile salmon as they migrate to the ocean, enabling them to grow larger and have a better chance of survival. If the results show that salmon are using the habitat for resting and feeding, it will be a good indication that more “salmon rest stops” could help salmon in the Duwamish estuary.
It’s not all work while visiting the Alaska Salmon Program camps for the summer field season. Students head up to southwest Alaska, some for over three months, and downtime is a chance to explore, connect with their peers, and experience living in a field camp.
Naomi Prahl
Lots of fish!
Some students are avid fishers and get to experience fishing in a location that vacationers usually pay a large sum to enjoy. Ryan Luvera, a SAFS and Marine Biology double major entering his third year, shared: “Outside of a typical workday I love to fish, and the fishing up here is truly world class.”
Whether you have visited the camps in person or only seen pictures, the location continues to be one that awes. Hiking Church Mountain, a familiar sight towering over the Lake Nerka field camp, is a tradition among those who spend time with the Alaska Salmon Program. “It was very steep but so worth it, both for the views and the sense of accomplishment. We got a bonus lesson on the history of glaciation in the valleys visible from the top. It was amazing to see the concepts physically laid out in the landscape,” Emma Meyer, a junior at SAFS, said.
Some of the more subtle experiences are among the most memorable. “One of my favorite things to do was have lunch in the tundra,” said Callie Murakami, a SAFS major now in her third year. “Some days we packed lunches and snacks to have while we were out, and we would sit in the open tundra to eat. The ground was soft, there were crowberries and cloudberries growing everywhere, and we could all chat and take a break. Even in the rain, nothing could beat a tundra lunch.”
Emma Meyer
A view from the top of Church Mountain.
Building a sense of community is a key part of the experience, from studying and working during the day, to pitching in for mealtimes and spending evenings together. “As a class, we all enjoyed each other’s company and would often play speed solitaire, cambio, and bananagrams in the evening after dinner,” shared Emma Bell, who will soon be graduating from SAFS. “One night we made popcorn and had a movie night which was also really fun.”
For many students, visiting Alaska is a highlight of their time studying at the University of Washington. “Last year I was at Friday Harbor Labs, and I thought that was going to be the peak experience of my college experience, and then I came to Aleknagik,” said Ryan Luvera. “This is truly an experience like no other, being able to be in living quarters with so many brilliant minds, I wish I could spend every summer here!”
Ryan Luvera
Salmon are not the only wildlife in these parts!
For others, it’s an opportunity to see another side of the fishery that they have experience with. Naomi Prahl, a SAFS major going into her senior year, shared: “I work as a commercial fisherman in the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon fishery, which is the fishery that utilizes the ASP data for their management decisions. Working in the fishery gave me a first look at how incredible the Bristol Bay ecosystem is, and getting to be a student with ASP this summer felt like a full circle moment. I got to see the ‘behind the scenes’ of the fishing job that I love so much. There was something almost magical about getting to see the salmon in every life stage through the class this summer after working a fishing season beforehand.”
Putting into practice key skills learned throughout their academic journeys is a central part of the Alaska Salmon Program and sets students on course for a range of opportunities in the future, from further study in graduate programs to careers in academic institutions and fishery-related fields. “I learned a lot of valuable skills about field and professional work, such as preparation and flexibility when it comes to working in the field, and how to work and communicate better as a team,” shared Callie Murakami.
How do students find out about this opportunity to spend a summer in Alaska? “While I was attending community college my only intention after I graduated was to transfer to SAFS,” said Emma Bell. “I was constantly looking at the SAFS webpage and seeing all the cool opportunities they offered and thought that the Alaska Salmon Program seemed really incredible. When I saw the flier posted, I was so excited to fill out an application.”
Emma Meyer
A trek through the tundra.
Hundreds of students from UW have spent time with the Alaska Salmon Program over the last few decades, immersing themselves in one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems. For future students, Naomi Prahl shared some advice: “Just get excited. It’s such an incredible and unique opportunity and I think the way to appreciate it fully would be to dive in headfirst. Don’t hide your enthusiasm and share what you’re excited to learn about. When you get there, try everything. Don’t shy away from asking questions and trying things you have no experience with. Take full advantage of the learning opportunities presented.”
Ever heard of the Pied Piper? What about in the context of fisheries research? Taking the concept embodied by the Pied Piper story of strong but delusive enticement, Maria Kuruvilla applied it to hatchery fish and wild salmon in three Washington State rivers during their migratory journey downriver. Maria conducted her research as a PhD student in Professor Andrew Berdahl’s lab at SAFS.
Each year, salmon species in the Skagit, Dungeness, and Puyallup Rivers begin their migration downriver, spawning in the upper reaches of the river, then making their way to the marine environment of the Puget Sound. In these same rivers, hatcheries managed by State and Tribal governments exist to supplement salmon as part of conservation efforts, especially in the face of declining populations.
Maria’s Pied Piper hypothesis is based on the idea that hatchery fish – which are released in large numbers each year and migrate downriver immediately – are playing the role of the Piper. The children? The wild salmon encouraged to follow. This could be a problematic scenario if wild fish migrate at a time that they wouldn’t normally and enter the marine environment at sub-optimal conditions. Such conditions include the size and weight of fish, or oceanographic conditions not as favorable to juveniles.
Maria Kuruvilla
A wild (top) and a hatchery (bottom) yearling Coho salmon caught in the Dungeness River trap.
Testing this hypothesis in the three rivers with two species of salmon – coho and Chinook – Maria found results consistent with the hypothesis in four out of the six populations tested. So how do you tell the difference between wild salmon and hatchery salmon? “Hatchery salmon are usually bigger, plus they have a tag or a clip on the fin that allows tracking and distinguishes them from wild salmon,” Maria shared.
The typical migration period for wild juvenile Chinook salmon is from March to July and the typical migration period for wild juvenile coho salmon is from April to June in Washington’s Skagit, Dungeness, and Puyallup Rivers.
Using smolt traps located near the mouth of the rivers, fish present in these traps are usually at the final stages of their downriver migration, and so it’s a good location to collect data on which fish are present: hatchery, wild, or both. Using this data, provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Maria plotted the migrations of hatchery and wild salmon, then did a deeper dive on the data to figure out if hatchery salmon are influencing wild salmon migration.
When released, hatchery salmon usually complete their migration downriver and enter the marine environment within one to two days. Wild salmon, however, are typically on a more protracted migration timeline. By collecting data on environmental stimuli, such as water temperature and flow, which is also known to affect wild salmon migration, Maria can rule this out as a possibility in the influence data.
“Looking at the whole peak and duration of migration, my data shows that as the number of hatchery salmon increases in a river, the duration of wild salmon migration decreases. This is consistent with the Pied Piper hypothesis and suggests that wild salmon are being influenced by the migrating hatchery salmon”, Maria said. “Generally, a population all migrating over the space of a day or two is not beneficial, as ocean conditions may be unfavorable or there could be a lot of hungry seals waiting, things like that.” There is also an important possibility to consider in Maria’s work, which she shared: “There might also be advantages of hatchery salmon influence on wild salmon migration. Moving with a big group of hatchery salmon could provide an increased level of protection from predation when entering marine environments.”
Hatcheries have a lot of control on how and when they release fish into rivers, and this is where Maria hopes her research will be particularly useful. “Managers of hatcheries can take the results of my paper and edit their release timing if needed, to more closely align with wild salmon migration patterns, or even marine conditions when it’s most favorable for fish to transition from freshwater to marine environments,” Maria said.
Maria Kuruvilla
The rotary screw trap on the Dungeness River. The trap consists of big cone that, when lowered into the water, collects some salmon as they swim downstream, which are then passed into a tank.
There were two salmon populations part of Maria’s study that didn’t correspond to the Pied Piper hypothesis, which Maria explained could be a result of hatchery release decisions. “The theory is that the Skagit River hatchery released their Chinook salmon quite late in the migration season, and a lot of wild Chinook had already left the river, or this particular part of the river, by that point in time.” For the Dungeness River coho, the wild salmon are usually in the headwaters, whereas the release of hatchery salmon is more downstream. “And so, it’s possible that the wild coho are not being influenced as much in this situation,” Maria shared.
This study not only looks at how hatchery salmon affect the migration timing of wild salmon, but also supports the idea that salmon rely on social cues to decide when to migrate. Just like in other animal populations, social behavior can influence these timing decisions and it’s becoming more recognized that considering social behavior is important for understanding migration timing. If salmon and other species use social information to make better decisions during critical events like migration, a decrease in population size could impair their decision-making. This, in turn, could lead to further population declines.
Recently defending her PhD at SAFS, Maria is now a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Victoria. The manuscript is currently under peer review by the Movement Ecology Journal; however, the preprint is available for reading below.
The Seattle Times Reports “Puget Sound salmon are on drugs — Prozac, Advil, Benadryl, Lipitor, even cocaine. Those drugs and dozens of others are showing up in the tissues of juvenile chinook, researchers have found, thanks to tainted wastewater discharge.”
A research team of NOAA and UW scientists, including SAFS’ professor Dr. Graham Young, have documented levels of over 80 “chemicals of emerging concern”, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in estuarine waters and in juvenile chinook salmon and Pacific staghorn sculpin at sites in south Puget Sound impacted by discharge from wastewater treatment plants. The levels of some of these chemicals are amongst the highest detected in the US.
A new article, titled “Conservation challenges of predator recovery”, has been accepted for publication into Conservation Letters: A journal for the Society for Conservation Biology. This article is a result of the collaboration of SAFS post-doc Kristin Marshall, SMEA Professor Ryan Kelly, NOAA scientist and SAFS affiliate faculty Eric Ward, and NOAA scientists Jameal Samhouri and Adrian Stier.
Abstract
Predators are critical components of ecosystems. Globally, conservation efforts have targeted depleted populations of top predators for legal protection, and in many cases, this protection has helped their recoveries. Where the recovery of individual species is the goal, these efforts can be seen as largely successful. From an ecosystem perspective, however, predator recovery can introduce significant new conservation and legal challenges. We highlight three types of conflicts created by a single-species focus: (1) recovering predator populations that increase competition with humans for the same prey, (2) new tradeoffs that emerge when protected predators consume protected prey, and (3) multiple predator populations that compete for the same limited prey. We use two food webs with parallel conservation challenges, the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, to demonstrate legal/policy conflicts and the policy levers that exist to ameliorate conflicts. In some cases, scientific uncertainty about the ecological interaction hinders progress towards resolving conflicts. In others, available policy options are insufficient. In all cases, management decisions must be made in the face of an unknown future. We suggest a framework that incorporates multispecies science, policy tools, and tradeoff analyses into management.
