West Fork has partnered with a client to carry out a multi-year sampling effort to produce reliable smolt outmigration estimates for coho salmon in two Olympic Peninsula rivers using rotary screw traps. This is accomplished through the direct quantification of juvenile coho emigrations, evaluation of trap efficiency and assessment of influential environmental factors. Traps are operated 24/7 and checked by the field staff at least once per day from April through June. This effort will provide updated information on smolt production to help inform management decisions such as pre-season adult run forecasts and tribal/non-tribal fishing seasons.
