The goal of this study is to quantify the abundance and spatial distribution of several salmon predator species (marine birds and mammals) in the columbia river plume region during the outmigration of…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Cooperative Institute (Inter-Agency Funded Activities) program (CFDA 11.405) provides $198,678.00 to Oregon State University to quantify the abundance and spatial distribution of salmon predator species, including marine birds and mammals, in the Columbia River plume region during salmon outmigration and return migration. The study will utilize thermal cameras and artificial intelligence to collect near-continuous data on predator abundance, including at night. This research aims to better understand the drivers of predation mortality during the critical early ocean phase, which is a key factor impacting salmon population trends. The project will run from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2027.

The goal of this study is to quantify the abundance and spatial distribution of several salmon predator species (marine birds and mammals) in the columbia river plume region during the outmigration of spring and summer chinook salmon juveniles as well as the return migration of adults. All available evidence suggests predation mortality during this early ocean phase is critical and drives salmon population trends. However, we have limited information on which predators are involved and what causes annual variability in predator impacts on salmon. This lack of knowledge precludes US from designing effective management options to minimize or mitigate these impacts. Quantifying predators in this area and exploring the environmental drivers of predator spatial and temporal variability is a critical and necessary step towards taking a holistic ecosystem approach to salmon recovery. To better understand the drivers of this mortality, thermal cameras (flir M400) and artificial intelligence (AI) post processing will be used to quantify species composition, abundance, and spatial distribution of bird and mammal predators in the lower columbia river estuary, in the columbia river plume, and along portions of the southern washington coast. Use of this technology will allow near continuous recording of predator abundance, including at night when more traditional observational studies are not feasible.