“The Effects of Stream Fragmentation on Steelhead Trout Ecology in a Mediterranean Stream”

Prof.  Stephanie Carlson,  Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, College of Natural Resources, UC Berkeley

This study aims to assess how differing degrees of hydrologic connectivity (throughout  early and late summer) affects  the ecology of juvenile steelhead trout in John West Fork, a tributary of Olema Creek, in Point Reyes National Seashore, California.  The region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with seasonal patterns of precipitation (e.g., summer low flows and peak flows during the winter).  This study is focused on twelve contiguous pools selected for this study.  The assessment will be based upon several variables: the degree of hydrologic connectivity, pool conditions (e.g., dissolved oxygen levels and temperature), primary productivity, macroinvertebrate prey availability, as well as steelhead growth, survival, and movement rates.  Data will be collected across the summer dry season and in multiple years. A long-term goal of the study is to understand how changing climate, particularly increased duration of the dry season, will affect steelhead trout ecology.

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