Tracking Tagged Bull Trout to Measure Reservoir Operation Impacts in Idaho
Channel: Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox
Date: 2020-10-31

Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus), a cold-water fish native to the Pacific Northwest, were once widely distributed across their range but are now classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This species requires clean water with water temperatures below 15°C (59°F). Arrowrock Dam and Reservoir, located on the Boise River in Idaho, supports winter habitat for migratory Bull Trout. While the reservoir is managed by Reclamation for water storage, flood control and recreation, it has restricted Bull Trout movement and altered habitat. Project biologists from Reclamation sought to identify operation effects of reservoirs on Bull Trout and used telemetry technology to describe seasonal habitat use. This CCAST Webinar will share how this project team has used technological tools to gain a better understanding of Bull Trout behavior in a working system and how those findings have and could be used to better balance water resources.

Presented by Dmitri Vidergar, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
View Case Study on CCAST: https://arcg.is/fOrL0