Klamath River, OR: New Data Collection Initiative to Monitor Salmon Populations

  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new information collection initiative focused on the Klamath River, Oregon, to monitor juvenile salmon populations.
  • This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to assess the status and trends of salmonid populations, which are vital for local subsistence, sport, and commercial fisheries.
  • The data collection will involve trapping and marking events to gather information on species type, count, length, and health conditions of juvenile salmon.
  • Collected data will be used to inform water management decisions and generate annual reports on fish conditions and population estimates.
  • The initiative is a collaborative effort involving State, Tribal, and Federal agencies, with an estimated 700 responses annually from these partners.
  • Public comments on the proposed data collection are invited until January 6, 2025, as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act compliance process.
  • The project aims to enhance the quality and utility of data collected to support the conservation and management of fishery resources in the Klamath Basin.

California’s Role in Klamath River Salmon Monitoring

  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s new information collection initiative also significantly impacts California, as the Klamath River flows through both Oregon and California.
  • In California, the initiative will help monitor salmonid populations crucial for local fisheries, contributing to the state’s ecological and economic well-being.
  • The project collaborates with the Karuk Tribe and the U.S. Geological Survey, among other partners, to gather comprehensive data, ensuring a holistic approach to salmonid population management across state lines.
  • Data collected in California will be used to inform water management decisions and assess the status and trends of salmonid populations, similar to efforts in Oregon.
  • The initiative aims to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens while enhancing the quality and utility of collected data, benefiting both states involved.

To view the original document on the Federal Register, click here.