• The Klamath River was historically the third largest salmon-producing watershed on the west coast.
• Chinook and coho salmon, steelhead, green and white sturgeon, and Pacific lamprey contribute to important subsistence, sport, and commercial fisheries.
• To respond to declines in fish abundance, a scientifically credible, comprehensive study was initiated to identify habitat related factors limiting fish production.
• The premature die-off of nearly 34,000 salmon in the lower river in 2002 underscores the need for a science-based evaluation of flows and associated habitat conditions.
• This collaborative study is critical to resolving conflicts in water
  management in the Klamath Basin.
• Despite recent declines in fish numbers, there is great potential for recovery.

Program Design :

• Technical expertise and local knowledge has been provided by the Klamath Flow Study Technical Advisory Group.
• The Advisory Group, representing Federal, State, and County agencies
  and Tribal, Watershed Councils, and Agriculture Interests was tasked
  with developing study priorities.
• The Service administers funds and provides oversight and technical
  assistance for on-the-ground projects.
• Program accomplishments are providing critical data needed to identify
  and contributing to the decline of Klamath River fish populations and are
  guiding current and future fisheries restoration efforts.

   

Accomplishments To Date:

• Status and trend monitoring for mainstem Chinook salmon
  production,
• water quality monitoring network,
• fish die-off quick response program,
• habitat inventories and fish habitat use assessments, juvenile fish health monitoring,
• modeling and validation of in-river fish production, and
• hydrologic monitoring

Status:

• In 2006, priorities focused on water quality and juvenile fish
  health, with similar priorities slated for 2007.
• The program is sponsoring local Watershed Councils to develop habitat assessment plans for the Shasta and Scott River sub basins.
• The Klamath River Fish Habitat Restoration Program (Flow Study) was scoped at $4.5M annually over 5 years. To date, the study has been funded at $750K/year. Completion of the study continues to rely on annual prioritization of study efforts and ongoing coordination and collaboration with partner agencies and stakeholders.