Geology topics

Patrick J. Connolly

Publications and source records attributed to Patrick J. Connolly.

43 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

USGS2010

Guidelines for calculating and enhancing detection efficiency of PIT tag interrogation systems

With increasing use of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and reliance on stationary PIT tag interrogation systems to monitor fish populations, guidelines are offered to inform users how best to use limited funding and human resources to create functional systems that maximize a desired level of detection and precision. The estimators of detection efficiency and their variability as described by Connolly et al. (2008) are explored over a span of likely performance metrics. These estimators were developed to estimate detection efficiency without relying on a known number of fish passing the system. I present graphical displays of the results derived from these estimators to show the potential efficiency and precision to be gained by adding an array or by increasing the number of PIT-tagged fish expected to move past an interrogation system.

PNAMP Special Publication↗

USGS2008

Lower Methow tributaries intensive effectiveness monitoring study. Interim report

Actions have been taken to replace diversion dams in lower Beaver Creek with a series of rock vortex weirs. Some of these diversion dams have been in place for over 100 years, and they have impaired or completely blocked upstream migration of fish. Three diversion dams were replaced in 2003 (Lower Stokes, Thurlow Transfer, and Upper Stokes), and a forth diversion dam was replaced in 2004 (Fort-Thurlow). These vortex weirs were designed and installed under the supervision of U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) engineers and completed in accordance to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (WDFW) fish passage criteria. The projects were designed to meet fish species recovery needs described by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the “BiOp” issued by NMFS (2000a). Since no specific guidelines have been identified to date specifically addressing diversion dams, WDFW and NMFS guidelines are being considered as the target design and performance criteria for the sites monitored as part of this project. Where used, the vortex weirs were designed to maintain irrigation diversion capabilities while improving fish passage.

Washington↗

USGS2008

Protocol for Monitoring Fish Assemblages in Pacific Northwest National Parks

Rivers and streams that drain from Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks are among the most protected corridors in the lower 48 States, and represent some of the largest tracts of contiguous, undisturbed habitat throughout the range of several key fish species of the Pacific Northwest. These watersheds are of high regional importance as freshwater habitat sanctuaries for native fish, where habitat conditions are characterized as having little to no disturbance from development, channelization, impervious surfaces, roads, diversions, or hydroelectric projects. Fishery resources are of high ecological and cultural importance in Pacific Northwest National Parks, and significantly contribute to economically important recreational, commercial, and tribal fisheries. This protocol describes procedures to monitor trends in fish assemblages, fish abundance, and water temperature in eight rivers and five wadeable streams in Olympic National Park during summer months, and is based on 4 years of field testing. Fish assemblages link freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. They also serve as focal resources of national parks and are excellent indicators of ecological conditions of rivers and streams. Despite the vital importance of native anadromous and resident fish populations, there is no existing monitoring program for fish assemblages in the North Coast and Cascades Network. Specific monitoring objectives of this protocol are to determine seasonal and annual trends in: (1) fish species composition, (2) timing of migration of adult fish, (3) relative abundance, (4) age and size structure, (5) extent of non-native and hatchery fish, and (6) water temperature. To detect seasonal and annual trends in fish assemblages in reference sites, we rely on repeated and consistent annual sampling at each monitoring site. The general rationale for the repeated sampling of reference sites is to ensure that we account for the high interannual variability in fish movements and abundances in rivers. One underlying assumption is that the monitoring program is designed in perpetuity, and consequently our capability to detect trends substantially increases with time. The protocol describes sampling designs, methods, training procedures, safety considerations, data management, data analysis, and reporting. The allocation of sampling effort represents a balance between ecological considerations, a sound monitoring approach, and practical limitations caused by logistical constraints and a limited annual budget of $55,000. The widespread declines of native fish species in western North America highlights the importance and urgency of understanding trends in fish assemblages from undisturbed habitats. Seasonal and annual trends in fish assemblages will provide insights at the individual, population, and assemblage level. This protocol will allow managers to detect increases and decreases in abundance of priority management species, and occurrence of non-native, hatchery, and federally listed fish. The detection of trends in fish assemblages will allow for specific management actions that may include: implementation of more appropriate fishing regulations, evaluation of existing hatchery releases, control of non-native fish species, and prioritization of habitat restoration projects. Dissemination and communication of scientific findings on North Coast and Cascades Network fish assemblages will be a core product of this protocol, which will have much relevance to decision makers, park visitors, researchers, and educators.

Techniques and Methods↗

USGS2007

Wind River Watershed Restoration: Annual report April 2006 to March 2007

This report summarizes work completed by U.S. Geological Survey’s Columbia River Research Laboratory (USGS-CRRL) in the Wind River subbasin during the period April 2006 through March 2007 under Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) contract 26922. During this period, we collected temperature, flow, and habitat data to characterize physical habitat condition and variation within and among tributaries and mainstem sections in the Wind River subbasin. We also conducted electrofishing and snorkeling surveys to determine juvenile salmonid populations within select study areas throughout the subbasin. Portions of this work were completed with additional funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG). Funding from USFWS was for work to contribute to a study of potential interactions between introduced Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and wild steelhead O. mykiss. Funding from LCFEG was for work to evaluate the effects of nutrient enrichment in small streams. A statement of work (SOW) was submitted to BPA in March 2006 that outlined work to be performed by USGS-CRRL. The SOW was organized by work elements, with each describing a research task. This report summarizes the progress completed under each work element.

Washington↗

USGS2007

Wind River Watershed Restoration: Annual Report April 2005 - March 2006

This report summarizes work completed by U.S. Geological Survey’s Columbia River Research Laboratory (USGS-CRRL) in the Wind River subbasin during the period April 2005 through March 2006 under Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) contract 22095. During this period, we collected temperature, flow, and habitat data to characterize habitat condition and variation within and among tributaries and mainstem sections in the Wind River subbasin. We also conducted electrofishing and snorkeling surveys to determine juvenile salmonid populations within select study areas throughout the subbasin. Portions of this work were completed with additional funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG).

Washington↗

USGS2005

Assessment of the White Salmon watershed using the ecosystem diagnosis and treatment model

Salmon habitat models provide managers the ability to identify habitat limitations and prioritize restoration activities. Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT) has become a widely used tool for salmonid habitat analysis in the Pacific Northwest. The EDT model is a rule-based habitat rating system that provides reach-level diagnosis of habitat conditions for the major salmonid species of the Pacific Northwest. The EDT process itself is a complex modeling program with defined data needs. The program is a product developed by Mobrand Biometrics Incorporated (MBI) largely through funding by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC). The NPCC had provided a free version of the program accessible through a website that required user registration. The EDT model allows the user to rate the quality, quantity, and diversity of fish habitat along a waterway. The model uses diagnostic species such as steelhead and Chinook salmon to identify the most significant limiting factors in a river and to help identify reaches for protection and restoration. The model includes a set of tools to help organize environmental information and rate the habitat elements that pertain to specific life stages of the diagnostic species. A major benefit of EDT is that it can show the potential of a river under current conditions and possible future conditions. The result is a scientifically-based assessment of fish habitat and a prioritization of restoration needs.

Report↗

USGS2004

Distribution, migration behavior, habitat use, and species interactions of fall-released juvenile hatchery spring Chinook salmon on the Deschutes River, Oregon, 2002, Annual report 2002

In a review of National Fish Hatcheries (NFH), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) identified the need to assess the fate of hatchery-reared fish and their potential effect on the aquatic community (USFWS 1998). Additionally, in the Columbia River Biological Opinion, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) recommended monitoring and evaluating ecological interactions between hatchery and wild fish (NMFS 1999). In 2002, a study was designed to investigate the fate of hatchery-reared fish and to assess habitat use and fish interactions in the Deschutes River, Oregon.

Oregon↗