The US geological surveys western fisheries research center (wfrc) is working on a collaborative project with the yakama indian nation that seeks to control the effects of non-native fish species…

The US geological surveys western fisheries research center (wfrc) is working on a collaborative project with the yakama indian nation that seeks to control the effects of non-native fish species (especially small mouth bass) on juvenile salmon, while collecting information about how predation might impact outmigration success. As part of a small mouth bass removal program, two SCA members will work under the direction of wfrc staff on the yakima river near prosser, washington as part of a team operating electrofishing gear for the capture and removal of non-native fish species. Field work will be conducted weekly from roughly the start of april through june, depending on flow and temperature conditions. Training will be provided at the seattle headquarters of wfrc, focused on boating safety, electrofishing fundamentals, and field methods for fish data collection. This work will contribute greatly toward the management of salmon, an important recreational and subsistence use species, and supports research in determining the effect of predation and the effectiveness of removal efforts.