Effects of floodgates on growth and survival of out-migrating juvenile salmon

Flood control structures such as floodgates and dikes have created numerous small-scale barriers for Pacific salmon in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia restricting access to historical fish habitat. Floodplains
were historically used as overwintering habitats by juvenile coho and Chinook salmon, making them critical to the growth and survival of these species. Lack of connectivity to overwintering habitats may lead to early
outmigration of juvenile salmon to estuaries where they may be too small to compete for habitat and resources with other species and make them easy targets for predators. This study is comparing three different types of floodgate structures, which vary in their ability to allow water exchange between offchannel areas and the river, and their ability to pass juvenile salmon. We will assess over-winter survival and
and growth using PIT tag tracking and relate these features to environmental factors in each floodplain. Our results can be used to inform habitat managers about how best to design and implement flood control
structures that best protect juvenile salmon.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Hinch

Student:

Partner:

Resilient Waters - MakeWay Charitable Society

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: