Geology topics

Rulon J. Hemingway

Publications and source records attributed to Rulon J. Hemingway.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2021

Research, monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues and measures to recover the Snake River Fall Chinook salmon ESU

The portion of the Snake River fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha evolutionary significant unit (ESU) that spawns upstream of Lower Granite Dam transitioned from low to high abundance during 1992–2020 in response to U.S. Endangered Species Act recovery efforts and other federally mandated actions. This annual report focuses on changes in population abundance and habitat use by natural- and hatchery-origin spawners. Typically, we also report on population attributes of natural-origin juveniles, but data on juveniles were not collected in 2020 due to Covid-19. Spawners have located and used most of the available spawning habitat and that habitat is gradually approaching the point that no more redds can be supported. Timing of spawning and fry emergence have been relatively stable, but effects of density dependence are evident in juvenile life stages. Apparent abundance of juvenile fall Chinook salmon has increased and we noted the following changes: parr dispersal from riverine rearing habitat into Lower Granite Reservoir has become earlier; growth rate (g/d) and dispersal size of parr has declined; and passage timing of smolts from the two Snake River reaches has become earlier and downstream movement rate has increased. These findings coupled with stock-recruitment analyses presented in this report provide evidence for density-dependence in the Snake River reaches and in Lower Granite Reservoir resulting from the expansion of the recovery program. The long-term goal is to use this information in a comprehensive modeling effort to conduct action-effectiveness and uncertainty research and to inform Fish Population, Hydrosystem, Harvest, Hatchery, and Predation and Invasive Species Management Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E) programs. In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) focused survey efforts in the Snake River on deepwater redd searches and fish collection for parentage-based tagging (PBT) analyses. We use a boat-mounted underwater video camera to count 170 deepwater redds at 19 of the 28 sites surveyed. Redd depths averaged 4.2 m. We collected genetic samples from 297 live fall Chinook salmon and 16 carcasses at 44 unique geographic locations that spanned 89 river kilometers. Seventy-two fish were recovered at Eureka Bar (rkm 307.1) and Corral Creek (rkm 349.7), which accounted for 23% of all collected fish in 2020. Most (238 fish) post-spawned salmon were collected from early to mid-November just after peak spawning. A summary of 2019 PBT results can be found in Appendix A.1. In 2020, we PIT tagged subyearling fall Chinook salmon in the Clearwater River to obtain population and growth data. In the Clearwater River, we tagged 2,192 subyearlings and recaptured 79 (3.6%) fish in the river and 187 fish (78 tagged by the U.S. Geological Survey, 109 tagged by the Nez Perce Tribe) at Lower Granite Dam during October which provided information for growth estimation. Within riverine habitats, growth in both length and mass were higher for fish tagged with 8-mm tags than with 9- and 12-mm tags. Estimated growth in length and mass of subyearlings was generally lower in Lower Granite Reservoir than in riverine habitats. Information on prey resources and juvenile fall Chinook salmon prey consumption was collected to better understand the growth opportunity of late-migrating fish in Lower Granite Reservoir. Zooplankton and surface drifting prey were collected from three reservoir locations from July through October during 2019 and 2020. Fall Chinook salmon diet data were collected from angled fish using gastric lavage. Cladocera and Copepoda were the most abundant zooplankton taxa collected while Diptera was the most common invertebrate taxon collected in surface drift samples. Totals of 49 and 94 juvenile fall Chinook salmon were captured in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and most fish were caught in the lower reach of the reservoir in October of each year. Juvenile fall Chinook salmon consumed mainly dipterans in July and October 2019 and mainly Daphnia during August–October in 2020. Fish showed selection mainly for dipterans in 2019 but strong selection for Daphnia during October 2020. Stomach fullness values were relatively low (<1.1%) during both years. Results show that prey resources are adequate in Lower Granite Reservoir to support positive fish growth during late summer and early autumn.

Idaho, Oregon, Washington↗

USGS2020

Impact of smallmouth bass predation on subyearling fall Chinook salmon over a broad river continuum

Smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomieu ) predation on subyearling fall Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) was examined in the Snake River (USA) to identify seasonal and habitat-related changes in bass diets, and associated subyearling consumption and loss in various riverine and impounded reaches. Smallmouth bass diets reflected opportunistic foraging that at times showed predation on subyearlings is influenced by the consumption of other prey such as crayfish, sand roller ( Percopsis transmontana ), and smaller invertebrates. Estimated loss of subyearlings was influenced by bass abundance and consumption rates. The highest bass abundances (> 1,000 bass/river kilometer) were observed in the upper reach of Hells Canyon early in April and May, and in Lower Granite Reservoir. Peak consumption rates of subyearlings (≥ 0.12 subyearlings/bass/day) occurred in the upper reach of Hells Canyon during May and in most reservoir reaches in June. Predation losses accumulated evenly along the river continuum from riverine to reservoir habitats. We estimated that 869,371 subyearlings could be lost to smallmouth bass predation between riverine production areas and Lower Granite Dam in a given year. To provide a context for this estimated loss, we provide an illustration of its potential effect on the adult population. Assuming no juvenile mortality occurred downstream of the dam and depending on smolt-to-adult return rates, this represented up to 3.9–16.0% of the potential adult run that could have returned to Lower Granite Dam had no subyearling predation by smallmouth bass occurred upstream of the dam. Although this study was limited by a number of assumptions and constraints, it does provide an illustration of how predation affects juvenile and adult salmon loss over a broad, changing river landscape.

Idaho, Oregon, Washington↗

USGS2019

Fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), sand roller (Percopsis transmontana), and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) interactions in a Snake River reservoir: A tale of three species

We studied some of the relationships between federally listed fall Chinook Salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha , endemic Sand Roller, Percopsis transmontana , and non-native Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu , in Lower Granite Reservoir on the Snake River. Because of its recent reappearance and population increase, the Sand Rollers could be filling the role of a “native invader” in the reservoir food web. We speculated that Sand Rollers could either negatively affect fall Chinook Salmon by potentially competing with them for resources in shoreline habitats or, alternatively, benefit the salmon by providing a buffer against Smallmouth Bass predation. Nighttime beach seining showed that habitat use by fall Chinook Salmon and Sand Rollers overlapped completely in spring when both species were present along shorelines. Diet data from stomach samples also showed high overlap, but data on stable isotopes of 13 C and 15 N suggested that each species could be obtaining much of their dietary energy from different reservoir locations. Although habitat and diet overlap are evidence of competition, diel and spatial partitioning of resource use between fall Chinook Salmon and Sand Rollers may act to reduce potential competition. Analyses of Smallmouth Bass diets showed that fall Chinook Salmon and Sand Rollers comprised the majority of prey fish consumed by bass. Across years, as Smallmouth Bass increased their consumption of Sand Rollers (range 0.219 to 0.392 fish smallmouth -1 day -1 ), they decreased their consumption of fall Chinook Salmon (range 0.114 to 0.050 fish smallmouth -1 day -1 ). The greatest effect Sand Rollers may have on fall Chinook Salmon in Lower Granite Reservoir is to serve as a buffer against Smallmouth Bass predation.

Idaho, Washington↗

USGS2018

Research, monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues and measures to recover the Snake River fall Chinook salmon ESU

The portion of the Snake River fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ESU that spawns upstream of Lower Granite Dam transitioned from low to high abundance during 1992–2017 in association with U.S. Endangered Species Act recovery efforts and other federally mandated actions. This annual report focuses on (1) numeric and habitat use responses by natural- and hatchery-origin spawners, (2) phenotypic and numeric responses by natural-origin juveniles, (3) USGS use of a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) to search for fall Chinook salmon redds and carcasses, and (4) the detection of 8-mm PIT tags at Lower Granite Dam. Spawners have located and used most of the available spawning habitat and that habitat is gradually approaching redd capacity. Timing of spawning and fry emergence has been relatively stable; whereas the timing of parr dispersal from riverine rearing habitat into Lower Granite Reservoir has become earlier as apparent abundance of juveniles has increased. Growth rate (g/d) and dispersal size of parr also declined as apparent abundance of juveniles increased. Passage timing of smolts from the two Snake River reaches has become earlier and downstream movement rate faster as estimated abundance of fall Chinook Salmon smolts in Lower Granite Reservoir has increased. These findings coupled with stock-recruitment analyses presented in this report provide evidence for density-dependence in the Snake River reaches and in Lower Granite Reservoir that was influenced by the expansion of the recovery program. The long-term goal is to use the information covered here in a comprehensive modeling effort to conduct action effectiveness and uncertainty research and to inform Fish Population, Hydrosystem, Harvest, Hatchery, and Predation and Invasive Species Management RM&E. In 2017, the USGS searched 15 shallow water spawning sites in conjunction with the Idaho Power Company (IPC). Redd counts agreed with those of IPC for a little more than half the sites suggesting that we need more training in redd counting. We recovered 67 carcasses, and tissue samples are currently being analyzed for parentage to ultimately determine the percentage of hatchery-origin spawners on the spawning grounds. Redd fading was examined to determine the frequency at which aerial surveys should be conducted. Most redds surveyed through time were visible for at least 4 weeks after the redd was initially constructed. Redd fading was variable amongst sites and depended on location. In 2017, we conducted a second year of evaluating detection efficiency of 8-mm PIT tags in the Lower Granite Dam juvenile fish collection system. Groups of 75–78 fish were tagged with 8-mm Biomark, 8-mm Oregon RFID, 9-mm Biomark, and 12-mm Biomark PIT tags and released into the bypass upstream of the upwell. From 97.4 to 100% (depending on tag type) of tagged fish were detected on at least one antenna in the Lower Granite Dam bypass system. Mean detection efficiency within the predominant passage route (i.e., diversion river exit) exceeded 0.98 for all tag types in both years. These results suggest that fish tagged in the field with 8-mm PIT tags should be detected at rates similar to larger tags at main-stem hydroelectric dams.

Snake River Basin↗

USGS2018

Smallmouth bass predation on subyearling fall Chinook salmon in Lower Granite Reservoir, 2016–2017

Predation by nonnative fishes is one factor that has been implicated in the decline of juvenile salmonids in the Pacific Northwest. Impoundment of much of the Snake and Columbia Rivers has altered food webs and created habitat favorable for species such as smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. Smallmouth bass are common throughout the Columbia River basin and have become the most abundant predator in lower Snake River reservoirs (Zimmerman and Parker 1995). This is a concern for Snake River fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (hereafter, subyearlings) that may be particularly vulnerable due to their relatively small size and because their main-stem rearing habitats often overlap or are in close proximity to habitats used by smallmouth bass (Curet 1993; Tabor et al. 1993). Concern over juvenile salmon predation spawned a number of large-scale studies to quantify its effect in the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s (Poe et al. 1991; Rieman et al. 1991; Vigg et al. 1991; Fritts and Pearsons 2004; Naughton et al. 2004). Smallmouth bass predation represented 9% of total salmon consumption by predatory fishes in John Day Reservoir, Columbia River, from 1983 through 1986 (Rieman et al. 1991). In transitional habitat between the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River and McNary Reservoir, juvenile salmon (presumably subyearlings) were found in 65% of smallmouth bass (>200 mm) stomachs and comprised 59% of the diet by weight (Tabor et al. 1993). Within Lower Granite Reservoir on the Snake River, Naughton et al. (2004) showed that monthly consumption (based on weight) ranged from 5% in the upper reaches of the reservoir to 11% in the forebay. However, studies in the Snake River were conducted soon after Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of Snake River fall Chinook salmon (NMFS 1992). During this time, fall Chinook salmon abundance was at an historic low, which may explain why consumption rates were relatively low compared to those from studies conducted in the Columbia and Yakima Rivers where abundance was higher (e.g., Tabor et al. 1993; Fritts and Pearsons 2004). We speculate that predation on subyearlings by smallmouth bass in the Snake River may have increased in recent years for several reasons. Since their ESA listing, recovery measures implemented for Snake River fall Chinook salmon have resulted in a large increase in the juvenile population (Connor et al. 2013). Considering that subyearlings probably now make up a larger portion of the forage fish population, it is plausible they should make up a larger portion of smallmouth bass diets. Second, migrating subyearlings delay downstream movement in the transition zones of the Clearwater River and Snake River for varying lengths of time (Tiffan et al. 2010), which increases their exposure and vulnerability to predators. Spatial overlap in locations of smallmouth bass and subyearlings that died during migration provides support for this (Tiffan et al. 2010). Finally, the later outmigration of subyearlings from the Clearwater River results in their presence in Lower Granite Reservoir during the warmest summer months when predation rates of smallmouth bass should be highest. In 2016 and 2017, we focused our smallmouth bass predation efforts in Lower Granite Reservoir downstream of the transition zones and the confluence area where we worked during 2012–2015. This report primarily covers results from 2017 but some results from 2016 are also included for comparison. Similar to past years, our first objective was to quantify smallmouth bass consumption rates of subyearlings, determine bass abundance, and describe bass diets. In addition, Tiffan et al. (2016a) posited that predation risk to subyearlings may be higher in shoreline habitats that are more suitable for smallmouth bass and lower in shoreline habitats that are more suitable for subyearlings. To test this hypothesis, our second objective was to examine the relationship between smallmouth bass predation and subyearling habitat suitability. Our final objective was to combine estimates of consumption with smallmouth bass abundance to derive estimates of total Chinook salmon losses to smallmouth bass for 2016 and 2017.

Idaho, Washington↗

USGS2017

Ecology of the Sand Roller (Percopsis transmontana) in a lower Snake River Reservoir, Washington

The Sand Roller ( Percopsis transmontana ), has not been abundant in the Snake River since it was first found in the system in the 1950s, but its population has apparently increased in recent years. As a result, we initiated a study to better understand its ecology in habitats of Lower Granite Reservoir. From November 2014 to October 2015, Sand Rollers were present along shorelines, with peak abundance being observed during spring months. Logistic regression analyses showed that Sand Rollers were more likely to be present in shoreline habitats at temperatures ≤18.4°C. Fish were found over a range of substrates, with the lowest odds of fish presence being associated with riprap, which is common in hydropower reservoirs. From length-frequency analysis, we suggest that Sand Roller spawning occurs primarily in May and early June. Assessment of Sand Roller diets found dipteran (chironomid) larvae and pupae were the most important prey consumed by all sizes of Sand Rollers, but Opossum Shrimp ( Neomysis mercedis ) were also prominent in diets of larger fish in shoreline and offshore habitats. At a time when the populations of so many native species are in decline, the increase of the Sand Roller population in the lower Snake River represents a positive, yet curious occurrence.

Washington↗

USGS2017

Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon life history investigations

Predation by nonnative fishes is one factor that has been implicated in the decline of juvenile salmonids in the Pacific Northwest. Impoundment of much of the Snake and Columbia rivers has altered food webs and created habitat favorable for species such as Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu . Smallmouth Bass are common throughout the Columbia River basin and have become the most abundant predator in lower Snake River reservoirs (Zimmerman and Parker 1995). This is a concern for Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (hereafter, subyearlings) that may be particularly vulnerable due to their relatively small size and because their main-stem rearing habitats often overlap or are in close proximity to habitats used by Smallmouth Bass (Curet 1993; Tabor et al. 1993). Concern over juvenile salmon predation spawned a number of large-scale studies to quantify its effect in the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s (Poe et al. 1991; Rieman et al. 1991; Vigg et al. 1991; Fritts and Pearsons 2004; Naughton et al. 2004). Smallmouth Bass predation represented 9% of total salmon consumption by predatory fishes in John Day Reservoir, Columbia River, from 1983 through 1986 (Rieman et al. 1991). In transitional habitat between the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River and McNary Reservoir, juvenile salmon (presumably subyearlings) were found in 65% of Smallmouth Bass (>200 mm) stomachs and comprised 59% of the diet by weight (Tabor et al. 1993). Within Lower Granite Reservoir on the Snake River, Naughton et al. (2004) showed that monthly consumption (based on weight) ranged from 5% in the upper reaches of the reservoir to 11% in the forebay. However, studies in the Snake River were conducted soon after Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon (NMFS 1992). During this time, Fall Chinook Salmon abundance was at an historic low, which may explain why consumption rates were relatively low compared to those from studies conducted in the Columbia and Yakima rivers where abundance was higher (e.g., Tabor et al. 1993; Fritts and Pearsons 2004). We speculate that predation on subyearlings by Smallmouth Bass in the Snake River may have increased in recent years for several reasons. Since their ESA listing, recovery measures implemented for Snake River Fall Chinook salmon have resulted in a large increase in the juvenile population (Connor et al. 2013). Considering that subyearlings probably now make up a larger portion of the forage fish population, it is plausible they should make up a large portion of Smallmouth Bass diets. Second, migrating subyearlings delay downstream movement in the transition zones of the Clearwater River and Snake River for varying lengths of time (Tiffan et al. 2010), which increases their exposure and vulnerability to predators. Spatial overlap in locations of Smallmouth Bass and subyearlings that died during migration provides support for this (Tiffan et al. 2010). Finally, the later outmigration of subyearlings from the Clearwater River results in their presence in Lower Granite Reservoir during the warmest summer months when predation rates of Smallmouth Bass should be highest. In 2016, we focused our efforts on Smallmouth Bass predation in Lower Granite Reservoir downstream of the transition zones and the confluence area where we worked during 2012–2015. Similar to past years, our first objective was to quantify Smallmouth Bass consumption rates of subyearlings, determine relative bass abundance, and describe bass diets. In addition, Tiffan et al. (2016a) posited that predation risk to subyearlings may be higher in shoreline habitats that are more suitable for Smallmouth Bass and lower in shoreline habitats that are more suitable for subyearlings. To test this hypothesis, our second objective examines the relationship between Smallmouth Bass predation of subyearlings and habitat suitability.

Idaho, Washington↗

USGS2017

Research, monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues and measures to recover the Snake River Fall Chinook Salmon ESU, 1/1/2016 - 12/31/2016

The portion of the Snake River fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ESU that spawns upstream of Lower Granite Dam transitioned from low to high abundance during 1992–2016 in association with U.S. Endangered Species Act recovery efforts and other federally mandated actions. This annual report focuses on (1) numeric and habitat use responses by natural- and hatchery-origin spawners, (2) phenotypic and numeric responses by natural-origin juveniles, and (3) predator responses in the Snake River upper and lower reaches as abundance of adult and juvenile fall Chinook Salmon increased. Spawners have located and used most of the available spawning habitat and that habitat is gradually approaching redd capacity. Timing of spawning and fry emergence has been relatively stable; whereas the timing of parr dispersal from riverine rearing habitat into Lower Granite Reservoir has become earlier as apparent abundance of juveniles has increased. Growth rate (g/d) and dispersal size of parr also declined as apparent abundance of juveniles increased. Passage timing of smolts from the two Snake River reaches has become earlier and downstream movement rate faster as estimated abundance of fall Chinook Salmon smolts in Lower Granite Reservoir has increased. In 2016, we described estimated the consumption rate and loss of subyearlings by Smallmouth Bass before, during, and after four hatchery releases. Before releases, Smallmouth Bass consumption rates of subyearling was low (0–0.36 fish/bass/d), but the day after the releases consumption rates reached as high as 1.6 fish/bass/d. Bass consumption in the upper portion of Hells Canyon was high for about 1–2 d before returning to pre-release levels, but in the lower river consumption rates were reduced but took longer to return to pre-release levels. We estimated that most of the subyearlings consumed by bass were of hatchery origin. Smallmouth Bass predation on subyearlings is intense following a hatchery release, but the predation pressure is relatively short-lived as subyearlings quickly disperse downstream. This information will allow us to better estimate subyearling loss to predation from our past efforts at time intervals less than 2 weeks. These findings coupled with stock-recruitment analyses presented in this report provide evidence for density-dependence in the Snake River reaches and in Lower Granite Reservoir that was influenced by the expansion of the recovery program. The long-term goal is to use the information covered here in a comprehensive modeling effort to conduct action effectiveness and uncertainty research and to inform Fish Population, Hydrosystem, Harvest, Hatchery, and Predation and Invasive Species Management RM&E.

Snake River basin↗