The primary goal of this project is to develop a non-lethal tool to reduce predation on ESA-listed chinook salmon, thereby increasing survival of this species which is a primary food source for…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $644,000 Project Grant to Oceans Initiative under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469). The grant will fund the development of a Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology system to reduce predation on endangered Chinook salmon in the Cedar River migration route.

The primary goal is to create a non-lethal tool that decreases predation by pinnipeds, thereby increasing survival of Chinook salmon. Chinook salmon are a primary food source for endangered Southern Resident killer whales and critical to their recovery in Puget Sound. The Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology system will be a specialized deterrent targeted at pinnipeds to ultimately improve salmon survival at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, a significant bottleneck area. The grant period is from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.

The primary goal of this project is to develop a non-lethal tool to reduce predation on ESA-listed chinook salmon, thereby increasing survival of this species which is a primary food source for southern resident killer whales, and critical to their recovery in the puget sound. This project will develop a specialized deterrent system, targeted acoustic startle technology (tast), that may ultimately decrease pinniped predation and improve salmon survival at the hiram m. Chittenden (ballard) locksa significant bottleneck area in the cedar river salmon migration route.