The Science

With each haul of salmon and steelhead, Wild Fish Conservancy’s experienced field staff gathers genetic samples and implants Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags. These important elements of the study will help WFC scientists estimate long-term post-release survival rates from the fish trap; crucial information required for commercial implementation of alternative commercial gear-types. Gathering and implanting nearly 4,000 genetic samples and tags over the course of the next month, WFC will track the survival of released fish as they pass various dams upstream equipped with PIT tag detectors. The science behind this groundbreaking project will help pave the way for sustainable fisheries in the Columbia and beyond…