Friday, August 21, 2009

2009 steelhead surveys

August 11-14, 2009

For the past two years, the Matilija Coalition has supported field surveys of the Ventura River steelhead population with financial support from Patagonia, Inc. and CA Dept of Fish and Game. (Also see Last year's survey.)

The Steelhead Population and Habitat Assessment in the Ventura River / Matilija Creek Basin studies are part of ongoing research effort to provide baseline data of the current population and advance the understanding of this species, which is endangered in Southern California. Although the recent news has not been positive (see steelhead-die-as-river-dries-up,) this annual monitoring has seen continued productivity within the watershed. Past reports are online at matilijadam.org and the recent data will be available once the reports are completed.

After snorkling with the TRPA biologists last week, I returned with local biologist Matt Stoecker and his camera equipment to document the fish we are seeing this year... These pictures are courtesy (and copyright) of Matt.

If you would like to help support this program, this year's Patagonia 'Salmon Run' event along the Ventura River will benefit the Matilija Coalition and the ongoing steelhead monitoring.