Read more about the article New tools aid tribe’s steelhead tracking
Jed Moore, salmon biologist for the Nisqually Indian Tribe, uses a tablet computer to record steelhead spawning in the Nisqually watershed.

New tools aid tribe’s steelhead tracking

Jed Moore, salmon biologist for the Nisqually Indian Tribe, uses a tablet computer to record steelhead spawning in the Nisqually watershed.
Jed Moore, salmon biologist for the Nisqually Indian Tribe, uses a tablet computer to record steelhead spawning in the Nisqually watershed.

Nisqually tribal surveyors are hitting the water with a new piece of equipment that will help them better track endangered steelhead.

“We’ve been adapting our surveying techniques to gather more precise information on not only how many steelhead make it back each year to spawn, but where exactly they spawn,” said David Troutt, natural resources director for the tribe. “In the past we’ve doubled the amount of walking surveys we’re doing, and now we are using new tools to make that time on the river more productive.”

The surveyors are carrying tablet computers, allowing them to mark steelhead redds – or nests – more accurately than they could with expensive GPS units. The tablets display a detailed stream map prepared by the tribe’s geographic information department, allowing the surveyors to mark redd locations precisely.
(more…)

Continue ReadingNew tools aid tribe’s steelhead tracking

Tribal and state salmon co-managers come to agreement on upcoming fishing seasons

sockeyeTreaty tribal and state salmon co-managers reached agreement late Tuesday on a package of fishing seasons that will fairly share the burden of conserving weak wild salmon stocks while providing limited harvest opportunities.

“Cooperation on both sides helped to ensure that everyone will be able to fish this year,” said Lorraine Loomis, chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

“We are especially thankful for the leadership of former WDFW director Phil Anderson and current director Jim Unsworth in helping to meet our shared conservation challenges,” she said.
(more…)

Continue ReadingTribal and state salmon co-managers come to agreement on upcoming fishing seasons