Downstream migration, growth and condition of juvenile fall chinook salmon in Redwood Creek, Humboldt County, California
McKeon JF. 1985. Downstream migration, growth and condition of juvenile fall chinook salmon in Redwood Creek, Humboldt County, California. Humboldt State University
This thesis study examines migration times and physical characteristics of young fall chinook salmon in Redwood Creek and Prairie Creek, a tributary, over several seasons (1981-1983). Fish were also examined at the Prairie Creek hatchery for comparison. Conditions varied, with low flows and resultant warmer stream water in 1981 leading to early migration downstream. Better stream conditions in May of the following two years supported more time in the river. The author points out the importance of estuary conditions to salmonid survival and growth, especially in years when fish migrate downstream early and smaller fish must be dependent on the estuary. Length of chinook salmon at the time of ocean entry may be critical to survival; if so, 'the need for maintaining the integrity of the estuary during summer and fall cannot be overemphasized.' Studies of fish scales provide important information, and can be used in future comparisons. Investigation of growth rates shows little difference between hatchery and estuary fish. Statistical analyses and models used in the study are explained. Includes 5 tables and 19 figures with data. Appendix: capture data for Redwood Creek weir.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- McKeon, Joseph
- Date of Issue
- 1985-03
- Publisher
- Humboldt State University
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Chinook Salmon, Estuaries, fish scales, Fish Studies, Growth, Hatchery, Juveniles, Migration, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Physiology, Prairie Creek, Prairie Creek Bibliography, Redwood Creek, Rivers, Salmonidae, Salmonids, Size, Streams, Thesis