Ongoing Projects:
Science and Technology
Recent
Collaboration Featured at EU River Conference
Following an international forum held at
the Macaulay Institute during August 2007, a small science-policy steering
committee agreed it would be beneficial to host a larger international
workshop with the specific aims of identifying approaches to define river
hydromorphological condition, and developing an understanding of how to
effectively link this to ecology.
To visit the conference
website click here
To view the
coauthored presentation click here
Fish Friendly Farming® Program
The
Fish Friendly Farming® Program seeks to improve habitat conditions for
salmonids and other native aquatic species by educating land managers in
environmentally beneficial practices and carrying out restoration and
erosion control projects.
>> read more
For more Science and Technology projects click here
Northern California Coastal and Estuarine
South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration
Habitat Conservation Division (HCD) staff completed essential fish habitat
consultation for the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (SBSPRP).
Historically the South San Francisco Bay (South Bay) contained large
areas of tidal marsh, tidal mud flats, tidal channels, and Olympia oyster
beds, but these habitats have been largely lost due to coastal development,
fill, and the creation of salt ponds. The SBSPRP proposes to reconnect
former salt ponds to the San Francisco Bay (SF Bay) via water control
structures (managed ponds) and full tidal inundation (tidal habitat). A
progression over time from a 50:50 ratio of tidal habitat to managed ponds,
to a 90:10 ratio is anticipated. The SBSPRP has the potential to improve
and expand habitat for many of NMFS trust species and constitutes the
largest wetland restoration project in the country. HCD staff worked hard
to insure appropriate monitoring of estuarine fish and associated prey was
included in final project description. HCD staff assisted with the
development of the final fish monitoring plan framework.
For more information on this
project, contact Laura Hoberecht (707-575-6056).
Suisun Marsh Management Plan
NMFS
Habitat Conservation Division staff participate in the Suisun Marsh Charter
Group, an interagency group formed to develop a management plan for Suisun
Marsh. The Suisun Marsh is located in central California between the
freshwater of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the saline waters of San
Francisco Bay. The Suisun Marsh represents the largest brackish wetland in
the Western United States and provides important habitat to a variety of
native fish species, including out migrating salmonids.
>> read more
For more Northern California Coastal & Estuarine projects
click here
Fisheries Bio-Engineering
Fish Screen Program
NMFS-Southwest Region’s Habitat Conservation Division plays an important
role in California’s fish screening program through its leadership and
oversight; as well as by conducting field research, performance assessments,
and diving inspections.
>> read more
Hydropower Relicensing Program
Relicensing Hydroelectric Projects: HCD Staff are integral participants in
the relicensing of non-federal hydropower projects, including dams, which
may block passage for migratory fish. These projects, numbering in the
thousands in the Pacific Northwest, come up for relicensing only every 30-50
years and present an enormous opportunity for habitat restoration. The
National Marine Fisheries Service has a unique authority and responsibility
under the Federal Power Act to restore access to blocked habitat, if
warranted. NMFS Southwest Regional staffs are engaged in projects from the
Oregon border to Sacramento, and from the mountains to the oceans.
>> read more
Yuba River Fish Passage Feasibility Study
Southwest Region, Habitat Conservation
Division gave a presentation at the semi-annual Interagency Partnering
Meeting between U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and CA. Department of Fish and Game on efforts to restore Spring-run
Chinook Salmon and steelhead in the Yuba River.
>>
read more
For more Fisheries Bio-Engineering projects click here |