PNNL

Abstract

A new active tag system has been developed to address critical uncertainties in the effects of the FCRPS on migrating fishes. The JSATS system continues to evolve (see side bar on development activities) but has already contributed new information to the managers of the hydropower system and others who have an interest. The 780 fish considered in the case study presented in this article were a subset from a larger study on the lower Snake River. In total, there were approximately 11,000 juvenile salmon released bearing JSATS microtransitters in 2006 and plans for 2007 call for the release of about 27,000 fish JSATS-tagged fish. Several projects in 2006 and 2007 will further the region’s understanding of how juvenile salmon and steelhead move through the Snake and Columbia Rivers and how the survival of these fish is influenced by improvements in the configuration and operation of this large hydropower system.