Friends of the Eel River presents these studies and final report as an answer to our continuing question about the health of the watershed. Pat’s enthusiasm to the task is why we engaged him. His voice is heard throughout his writing and his own opinions come to light in the conclusion. FOER sees this as a start of a discussion rather that a confirmed solution. The health and efficient management of this impaired watershed will see a constant need for studies like this in order to inform decisions made.
Fisheries biologist Patrick Higgins (at left) conducted an Eel River fall Chinook salmon survey for Friends of the Eel River from September through the end of December 2010. His field reports and final report are linked from this page. Instead of finding just a few hundred fish and very low flows, as anticipated, the run was one of the largest Chinook salmon returns in recent time and the flows were unusually high due to early rains. An estimated 10,000 to 30,000 Chinook salmon spawned in the Eel River basin in 2010 and the report recommends speedy action to help sustain this level of return and maybe increases it to 100,000 fish.
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More than a mere fish count, Mr. Higgins has produced a point in time look at many aspects of the river, finding sites where habitat is good or recovering and where there are unhealthy places that have management or restoration potentials. The report considers the effect of current domestic and industrial diversions. He recommends that PG&E increase fall releases to improve downstream habitat and the ultimate removal of Scott Dam. There are also recommendations for restoration projects right here in Humboldt County that bear consideration.
This work was joined by staff from the Friends of The Eel River, Bear River Rancheria, Wiyot Tribe, Stillwater Sciences, Humboldt County Health Department, CDF&G, sport fishermen and a group of residents scattered around the 3684 square mile watershed. A coalition like this could produce the project planning that will show the water users down south the value we place in our river.
There are large problems to face with the quality of habitat in the lower Eel and Van Duzen Rivers that deserved discussion and active management. Water quality and passage problems in future drought years must be anticipated. It will take more than a few years of big salmon runs to see the revival of historic abundance. Let this past one be the first of many.