Section 10 (a)(1)(A) Scientific Research and Enhancement Permit 22270-2R request for comments

NOAA Fisheries is initiating a 30-day public comment period for the Wiyot Tribe’s Section 10(a)(1)(A) scientific research and enhancement permit (Permit 22270-2R ) application to enhance the survival of threatened Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch); threatened California Coast (CC) ESU Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha); and threatened Northern California (NC) Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of steelhead (O. mykiss) by segregating and removing predatory non-native Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis) using a resistance board weir and implementing a variety of other suppression techniques.

Under the proposed permit, the Wiyot Tribe, in collaboration with U.C. Berkeley and Stillwater Sciences, will implement techniques to remove Sacramento pikeminnow. The project’s objectives are to: (1) remove large numbers of predatory non-native Sacramento pikeminnow from the mainstems of the South Fork Eel River, Van Duzen River, and Lower Eel River to increase survival of listed salmonids and other native species; (2) continue to refine methods and strategies for pikeminnow population suppression across a range of habitats; (3) operate a resistance board weir to segregate pikeminnow from the South Fork Eel River headwaters and further suppress their population; and (4) evaluate pikeminnow and salmonid responses to suppression activities.

This proposed scientific research and enhancement effort is expected to enhance survival and support recovery of coho salmon, Chinook salmon, and steelhead within the SONCC ESU of coho salmon, the CC Chinook salmon ESU and the NC DPS of steelhead and is consistent with recommendations and objectives outlined in NOAA Fisheries’ Recovery Plans.