Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project

By Allen Smith, Board Chairman
Since my last State of The Project report to you in the June 2003 Newsletter, some significant progress has been accomplished between MBSTP, NMFS, & CDFG regarding our continuation of the restoration and augmentation of steelhead populations in many of the Central Coastal Region streams. As most of you know, the steelhead restoration and augmentation component of our program mission and goals is every bit as important to us and our supporters as the other three major components of coho salmon restoration, Salmon & Trout Education Program (STEP), and our Chinook Salmon Enhancement Program.

In order for the steelhead component of our activities to remain viable in the future, it is highly probable that a much broader and more detailed stream monitoring and observation program will be necessary. This activity will provide input to the regulatory agencies in order to determine future steelhead permit allocations and fish quantities for our regional streams. Much of this increased stream monitoring will most likely have to be performed by volunteer organizations such as ours as well as fishing organizations & clubs, colleges & universities, and other volunteer human resources groups. This scenario is likely to occur due to the severe economic dilemma with the State of California funding resources which is having a significant negative effect on CDFG human resources availability. I will keep you advised of future volunteer help needs in this area.

Presently we have two major construction projects in process at our rearing facility. We are finishing the reconstruction of the raceways which sustained damage in the severe storms of 1998. This was made feasible by the salmonid restoration and augmentation progress/decisions made between MBSTP, NMFS, & CDFG this year. The other construction project involves the building of a new facility adjacent to the discharge end of the raceways. This facility is being funded by NMFS to provide rearing capability for our joint MBSTP/NMFS Coho Captive Rearing Brood-stock Program. Completion of both construction projects is expected sometime in December of this year.
At the time of this writing, we are working with the Moss Landing Harbor District regarding the feasibility of reestablishing our Chinook Enhancement Program sea pen presence at Moss Landing.

Again I want to thank all of the great organizations, groups, businesses, and individuals who continue to support our salmonid programs. Our continuing thanks to The David & Lucile Packard Foundation; Fish & Game Advisory Commissions of Monterey, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties; commercial Salmon Stamp Committee; Scott Creek Watershed Council; Monterey City Harbor District; Santa Cruz Port District; Moss Landing Harbor District; and all of you who continue to provide your very essential support which allows us to continue with our salmon and steelhead restoration mission.

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