Mass spectrophotometer used to analyze samples

Project Title

Seasonal utilization of marine-derived nutrients by juvenile coho salmon.

Description

Understanding the contribution of marine derived nutrients to the growth and nutritional status of juvenile coho salmon is important in assessing escapement levels of returning adult salmon needed to maintain a healthy coho population. To assess this marine derived nutrient contribution, juvenile coho are being sampled throughout their freshwater cycle and also over years of varying escapement levels. Stable isotope technology is being used to evaluate the contribution of marine derived nitrogen relative to stream nitrogen sources in juvenile coho nutrient budgets throughout their freshwater phase.

Investigators

Bill Reichert, George Pess, and Correigh Greene

Collaborators

Bob Bilby (Weyerhaeuser Co.)

Support

NOAA Fisheries

Project Status

Data collection and analysis ongoing

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