Monitoring Coho Recovery in the Russian River

Along the Pacific coast, populations of coho salmon have signifi-
cantly declined over the last century. Coho salmon in California are currently estimated to be no more than 15 percent of their 1940s abundance. Private landowners, organizations such as resource conservation districts, and government agencies have responded to this decline, by conserving and restoring critical habitat within the Russian River Watershed and California. The stewardship of habitat, by these groups and others, has created the opportunity to take the next step in recovering coho to this watershed.

Since 2001, a collaborative effort has been underway to re-establish coho in the Russian River. Partners carefully capture, rear, and spawn coho broodstock. They then release these off-spring as young fish in area tributary streams. Partners also monitor their growth and survival, until the time arrives for them to move downstream and into the Pacific. This cycle will be repeated annually including the monitoring of adults returning three years after their release to tributary streams.

Reports and Related Documents

Related Partners

Acknowledgements

Our monitoring and evaluation efforts are made possible through the support of:

  • California Dept of Fish and Game Fisheries Restoration Grant Program
  • Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission Grant Program
  • UC Cooperative Extension - Sonoma County
  • UC Sea Grant Extension Program
  • US Army Corp of Engineers
  • Sonoma County Water Agency