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Conservation planning for freshwater–marine carryover effects on Chinook salmon survival

Journal Article · · Ecology and Evolution
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3663· OSTI ID:1623537
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States). School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
  2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, WA (United States). Northwest Fisheries Science Center. National Marine Fisheries Service
  3. Oregon Health and Science Univ., Portland, OR (United States)
  4. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Pasco, WA (United States). National Marine Fisheries Service. Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Experiences of migratory species in one habitat may affect their survival in the next habitat, in what is known as carryover effects. These effects are especially relevant for understanding how freshwater experience affects survival in anadromous fishes. Here, we study the carryover effects of juvenile salmon passage through a hydropower system (Snake and Columbia rivers, northwestern United States). To reduce the direct effect of hydrosystem passage on juveniles, some fishes are transported through the hydrosystem in barges, while the others are allowed to migrate in-river. Although hydrosystem survival of transported fishes is greater than that of their run-of-river counterparts, their relative juvenile-to-adult survival (hereafter survival) can be less. We tested for carryover effects using generalized linear mixed effects models of survival with over 1 million tagged Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum) (Salmonidae), migrating in 1999–2013. Carryover effects were identified with rear-type (wild vs. hatchery), passage-type (run-of-river vs. transported), and freshwater and marine covariates. Importantly, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index characterizing cool/warm (i.e., productive/nonproductive) ocean phases had a strong influence on the relative survival of rear- and passage-types. Specifically, transportation benefited wild Chinook salmon more in cool PDO years, while hatchery counterparts benefited more in warm PDO years. Transportation was detrimental for wild Chinook salmon migrating early in the season, but beneficial for later season migrants. Hatchery counterparts benefited from transportation throughout the season. Altogether, wild fish could benefit from transportation approximately 2 weeks earlier during cool PDO years, with still a benefit to hatchery counterparts. Furthermore, we found some support for hypotheses related to higher survival with increased river flow, high predation in the estuary and plume areas, and faster migration and development-related increased survival with temperature. Thus, pre- and within-season information on local- and broad-scale conditions across habitats can be useful for planning and implementing real-time conservation programs.

Research Organization:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Seattle, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
FG02-00ER41132
OSTI ID:
1623537
Journal Information:
Ecology and Evolution, Vol. 8, Issue 1; ISSN 2045-7758
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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