Fall transport - A study to compare smolt-to-adult return rates (SARs) of Snake River fall Chinook salmon under alternative transport and dam operational strategies

This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-funded study that began in 2005 compares the SARs of PIT tagged juvenile hatchery Snake River fall Chinook that are split into two groups, released above Lower Granite Dam, and when detected at downstream dams, one group is transported (if detected) and the other group bypassed if detected. When adult returns are complete, their SARs will be compared to determine the efficacy of smolt transport of this stock. Scales are collected on returning adults to determine age at ocean entry. The study is a collaborative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT). Juvenile releases began in 2005, and will be completed in 2012. Adult returns will be completed in 2016, with a final report provided to the USACE and region summarizing study results.

Fall Chinook transport study data.