Thesis
Suitability of coho salmon habitat in Maddox and Carpenter Creeks, Skagit Delta, Washington
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2010
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102719
Abstract
The Skagit Delta of western Washington has been highly altered from its natural environment over the past century. Anthropogenic activities throughout the watershed have caused increased nutrients and sediments to enter the Skagit River, its tributaries and sloughs leading to poor water quality and reduced native fisheries. Growth of urban and suburban developments is currently impacting the aquatic systems within the Delta. Recently, the Nature Conservancy, working with local agricultural and tribal groups, has begun to address some of these problems in the lower Skagit Delta. For example, the Fisher Slough Restoration Project (FSRP) has been developed to improve water quality and aquatic habitat for species like the coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum). In this study, we evaluated baseline water quality conditions in two freshwater creeks (Maddox and Carpenter Creeks) that will be affected by the FSRP. Biological, chemical and physical parameters were used to assess stream environments relative to coho seasonal life cycle requirements. All parameters indicated that the majority of reaches along the study creeks are unlikely to support native coho populations; downstream sites are the most impacted compared to headwater reaches. The FSRP should increase coho populations and enhance access to less impacted upper headwaters by targeting critical spawning and rearing habitat in the lower stream sections. This initial study of physical, biological and chemical water quality parameters will allow for assessment of restoration activities for coho habitats.
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Details
- Title
- Suitability of coho salmon habitat in Maddox and Carpenter Creeks, Skagit Delta, Washington
- Creators
- Ellen P. Preece
- Contributors
- Barry C. Moore (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, College of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900524806601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis