| Project title: |
Hydrologic and geomorphic influences on coho salmon outmigration timing in the Russian River watershed, California
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| Hypothesis or objectives: |
Salmon populations are declining in coastal watersheds worldwide, including the endangered coho salmon of California’s Russian River. The chances of outmigrating juvenile salmon surviving and returning to their natal streams to breed significantly increase, if they arrive to the ocean during a strong ocean upwelling period, which typically supports high food availability. Still, seasonal upwelling varies significantly in timing. Consequently, large variation in outmigration timing between streams is expected to stabilize returns. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that promote this stabilizing asynchrony. The objective of this study is to investigate the environmental factors that control outmigration timing of coho salmon in the River Russian watershed. One graduate student will be selected for this opportunity to collect field measurements of stream habitat and streamflow conditions to understand how variation in streamflow and channel hydraulics might cue smolt outmigration. The student will analyze these data with an existing long-term dataset of coho outmigration to develop models that explain differences in outmigration timing among streams and years
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| Duration: |
3 - 12 months
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| Area(s) of discipline: |
Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science Studies, Fisheries Science
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| Internship location: |
Santa Rosa, CA
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| Duties and responsibilities: |
Conduct hydrologic and geomorphic data collection then analyze data with existing coho salmon outmigration data.
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| Special skills/training required: |
Experience in hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and ability to work independently. Preferred but not required to know hydraulic data collection protocols.
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| Expected outcomes: |
The student will gain hands-on experience developing and executing a research project at the interface of geomorphology and fish ecology. The student will also gain skills in statistical analysis and scientific writing.
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| Point of contact (Mentor): |
Brian, Cluer
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| Organization: |
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
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| Program office: |
WCR CCO
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| Mailing address: |
777 Sonoma Ave., Ste 325
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
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| Phone number: |
707-575-6061
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| Fax number: |
None
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| Email: |
brian.cluer@noaa.gov
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| Co-Mentor name: |
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| Co-Mentor email: |
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| Co-Mentor gency or organization: |
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