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2004 June - NOAA Fisheries Research

Sunday, 13 June 2004 01:00 | Author: Administrator | PDF Print Email
By Sean Hayes
 

As many of you know, the Salmon Ecology team at the Santa Cruz NOAA Fisheries Laboratory began conducting research on Scott's Creek salmonids in January 2002. The initial focus of the research was to (1) determine the range of life history strategies of salmonids in the watershed, and (2) evaluate the effects of the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project hatchery-produced fish on the wild populations. This work was conducted primarily by myself and two research technicians- Chad Hanson and Morgan Bond, under the direction of our supervisor Bruce MacFarlane and in collaboration with the lab geneticist Carlos Garza. It didn't take long to realize the value of the Scott Creek watershed as a phenomenal outdoor research laboratory for the study of central California salmon and steelhead. Since that time many members of the Salmon Ecology team at Santa Cruz have started focusing on Scott Creek for the study of important questions in salmon biology. We have funded Chad and Morgan to enter graduate school at UCSC, where they are pursuing research questions related to the stream and estuarine ecology of Scott Creek fish. Ellen Freund joined our
program in January 2003 and is conducting comparative physiological ecology studies of salmonids in Scott Creek estuary and other coastal California estuaries. Another of our fishery biologists, Arnold Amman, has taken on a project monitoring the constantly changing environmental characteristics of the Scott Creek estuary as it fills and drains throughout the year. And Sue Sogard, our branch chief, is working with us on a project comparing development of juvenile steelhead and rainbow trout hybrids.

As you can imagine a complete report of all these projects would be very long, so I will provide just some highlights of our findings to date. The results from our hatchery study indicate there was no competition between hatchery and wild fish at the juvenile stages and that adult hatchery fish behave like and regularly spawn with wild fish. In short the hatchery is doing a great job and we have submitted detailed findings of this study as a paper to the Journal of Fish Biology. In addition we have been studying growth of juvenile fish in various habitats and have found that fish grow much faster in the estuary than in the upper reaches of the watershed. Work by Morgan has led us to speculate that the estuarine growth period for juvenile steelhead may be critical to their ocean survival. Genetic analysis of steelhead from throughout the watershed including resident steelhead (non-migrating rainbow trout) from above Big Creek falls had revealed genetic differences between steelhead that go to sea and those that choose to spend their entire life in the stream. An anecdote to this- we have resighted a couple fish that were tagged ABOVE Big Creek falls in June 2003 in the lower watershed, just upstream of the estuary during April 2004. Apparently these fish came over the falls and may be heading out to sea. We are now trying to quantify how often this happens. As many of you know, we installed an adult weir fish trap along the Scott Creek mainstem between the Queseria and Little Creek tributaries last fall to count, tag and sample the returning adults. While a bunch of fish got by the weir during winter storms, we were still able to catch over 100 coho and 340 steelhead this year. We estimate that there may have been as many as 450 adult steelhead spawning this year. Next year we hope to see that many steelhead and potentially similar numbers of coho as well. Finally much of this research was presented to a panel of top ranked fisheries biologists last fall as part of an independent review of NOAA Fisheries research activities. Our work in Scott Creek received a great deal of attention and the panel was so impressed, they asked for a tour of the watershed and hatchery. After this, they urged us to keep up our Scott Creek research efforts and our great relationship with MBSTP. Needless to say, with your support, we hope to continue conducting studies there for many years to come.

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Last Updated (Monday, 13 July 2009 20:55)

 

2004 June - Fishing with Larry and Dave

Sunday, 13 June 2004 01:00 | Author: Administrator | PDF Print Email

By Dave Parker and Larry Wolf

This summer and fall, Dave Parker of Harbor Press and I are again hosting marlin, tuna, and dorado fishing adventures at Hotel Buena Vista in East Cape, Baja CA. For those of you that have fished the East Cape in the past, you know the quality of fishing that can be present during the summer and fall months. This is Dave’s eighth year and the fifth year for me. Last year’s fishing was a great success. Refer to last November’s Newsletter for all the details of the quality fishing. The hotel is a big sponsor of our hatchery and we appreciate their support.

Our first trip is August 22nd thru August 26th. We have booked excellent rooms and boats at very special prices. We also will be fishing again October 17th thru October 22nd. For those of you that have never fished in Baja this is good chance to get your feet wet. If you do not have tackle, the hotel will rent it to you. The hotel offers many other extras including a whirlpool spa heated from local hot springs. The food is excellent and they have a full service bar. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Parker at 831-475-3355 or Larry Wolf at 831-688-4257.

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Last Updated (Monday, 13 July 2009 20:56)

 

2004 June - Big Fish Derby

Sunday, 13 June 2004 01:00 | Author: Administrator | PDF Print Email

10TH ANNUAL BIG FISH DERBY
JULY 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2004
By Larry Wolf

Once again it is derby time in the Monterey Bay. This year looks to be a banner year for Salmon, Halibut, White Sea Bass and Albacore Tuna. The salmon fishing has gotten off to one of the best starts in eight years. Both trollers and moochers are catching fish. From Moss Landing to Pigeon Point to Carmel, the fish are in and ready to be caught!

Like last year, the heaviest fish from all categories will be eligible to win the $1,000.00 prize. The heaviest fish caught in each category will be eligible to win a $200.00 cash prize. In addition to the cash prizes, we will also be giving away a great prize for the 3 day weight total. A trip to Hotel Buena Vista for three days and three nights and a day of marlin fishing. This year the rules have been changed to allow any combination of fish species to qualify for the 3 day total weight. Therefore, you may choose which species of fish to turn in during the three day tournament. All four species may be entered on a single day, but you must have a ticket for each fish turned in. For instance, if you catch a 30lb. salmon and a 30lb. halibut in one day, you may enter both fish as long as you have a daily ticket for each one. Each fish would be entered into its own species weight total as well as the heaviest total weight category. Only one fish may used each day for the three day weight total no matter how many fish you turn in each day. We hope this will give more opportunities to fish for what ever species seems to be biting your hook.

As always, we are looking for volunteers and donations for the hatchery. This year is a turning point in our operations. Funding from Fish & Game has almost been completely eliminated and outside funding is difficult at best. We need your help and donations to keep our hatchery in operation. Many state hatcheries are closing or turning into private local hatcheries like ours. We will not be able to continue without your participation and support. Please contact me at 831-688-4257 or call the hatchery at 831-458-3095 if you have time or money to offer or any other suggestions.
We look forward to seeing you this July, at our 10th Annual Big Fish Derby. Thanks again for all your support.

 
Some of last years's Big Fish Derby contestants and their fish
derby1 derby2 derby3
Greg Meadows Dennis Murphy Bill Whalen

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Last Updated (Monday, 13 July 2009 20:59)

 

2003 November - Fishing with Larry and Dave

Thursday, 13 November 2003 01:00 | Author: Administrator | PDF Print Email

FISHING WITH LARRY, DAVE AND FRIENDS AT HOTEL BUENA VISTA
By Dave Parker and Larry Wolf

Twice this year Dave and I have ventured south to Baja California Sur, Mexico for good fishing, good food and great weather. Both times we stayed at Hotel Buena Vista Spa & Beach Resort. This is the seventh year for Dave and the fourth year for me. Once again we had a great time. The fishing was good to excellent. Boats are well kept, and clean and the crews are very attentive. I recommend any of their 29 ft. cruisers. My favorite was the Iliana. The captain Marcos and Santiago, his deck hand of seven years, are an experienced crew who know where to find the fish.

We just recently returned from our last trip. The five people on this adventure included Deever Jenkins and his son Jeremiah, Dave Parker, my girl friend Kathy Robbins and me. We basically targeted tuna and dorado for four days. One sailfish was caught while fishing for tuna among the dolphins. Our best day was our last day. We headed out over 40 miles without seeing any schools of fish. A sailfish was spotted, but it wasn't hungry. Marlin lures were being prepared when we got a call that a large school of dolphin and tuna were sighted six miles to the south. So off we ran. Fifteen minutes later we were into miles of fish. For the first hour live bait was used, after which we used leaded hootchies with large bait hooks. The second fish I hooked spooled me in less then 15 seconds. Many were lost after long fights due to broken lines. I can say I was on the rail with Dave for four hours straight. No lunch and only water breaks. Kathy caught her first yellow fin tuna and fought 3 more fish into submission. Overall I have never seen that many fish spread out on the bite all day long. We put 15 tuna and 15 large white bonita on the boat . Many more were lost. With our coolers full we headed back to port.

One of the nice things about Buena Vista is that each afternoon we would send our catch of the day directly to the kitchen where it was prepared to order for our dinner. It was absolutely delicious and the service was great. Try the limonada (limeade!)

I highly recommend going to this resort if you have never fished in Mexico before or are tired of fishing in Cabo. Itís a great place to hang out for a week, swim, snorkel, sightsee. Golf is near by. We drove up to La Paz one day. The roads were good, no traffic and the views tremendous.

For additional information about this wonderful resort and fishing vacation, please contact Dave Parker (831/475-3355) or Larry Wolf (831-688-4257). You may also contact the hotel directly at 800-752-3555. Hortencia, Erendida or any of their dedicated staff will be happy to answer your questions.

kathy 2003 larryfish davefish
Kathy Robbins with first yellow fin. The tuna was sent the to kitchen for dinner that evening. Larry with Captain Marcos and deckhand Santiago with 110 lbs marlin. The fish was caught and released. Dave Parker and Santiago with a yellow fin tuna.

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Last Updated (Monday, 13 July 2009 20:35)

 

2003 November - Derby Results

Thursday, 13 November 2003 01:00 | Author: Administrator | PDF Print Email

9TH ANNUAL BIG FISH DERBY RESULTS
By Larry Wolf

big fish
BIG FISH DERBY WINNER
DAN WILLIAMS

The winning fish was a 29 lb. 6 oz. salmon caught by Dan Williams, who launched from the Capitola Pier. Danís 1st place fish netted him $1,000.00. The biggest halibut was caught by Tony Forti, fishing from a Sea Kayak out of the Santa Cruz Harbor. His fish weighed 28 lbs. 10 oz., winning $200.00. This was no easy task, and was the first time a sea kayaker has participated in the derby. Congratulations to Toni. The 3 Day Grand Weight Total was won by Gary Cox, whose 3 Day Grand Weight Total was 57 lbs. 1 oz. Gary won the trip to Hotel Buena Vista, a great 3 day vacation package for two which also includes one day of marlin fishing. Once again a hearty thanks to Hotel Buena Vista for their generous donation. The Grand Raffle Prize of a 7 day hotel vacation package in beautiful Runaway Bay, Jamaica was won by Sheri Roberts. Sheri has been an avid supporter of the project for the last 6 years and is very excited to go on this trip. We awarded over 90 prizes for the derby and the raffle.

This yearís salmon fishing season was not one of our best. The fish in June and July were feeding mainly on krill. If you were not trolling, you were not catching very many fish. . Needless to say, salmon fishing was tough during the derby. Halibut fishing was OK, but the season really started going two weeks after the derby, so not very many halibut were turned in. There were no sea bass caught. The tuna were out there, but the weather was too rough to reach them

We want to thank all of you who fished in the derby and who helped support the derby and our project. We could not do this without your help. Over $5,000.00 was raised this year and all of which goes back into our hatchery operation. I invite each and every one of you who want to work with the hatchery or at one of our fund raising events to please volunteer. We are an all volunteer organization, dependent on your donations of both time and money to keep our fish populations as healthy as possible.

Thanks again for your support. I hope to see all of you at next year's derby.

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Last Updated (Monday, 13 July 2009 20:38)

 
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