|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
SPAWNER SURVEY 2001
|
|
Pinks appeared in North Shore creeks at the end of September. Alleged sightings were reported at Mosquito Creek, but are unconfirmed. In 2001, rainfall was normal, resulting in good water levels in the creeks. Coho should have been able to access most of the spawning habitat. However --- On November 3, there was a small log jam on Thain Creek, blocking fish passage. An opening was made in the jam at that time. On November 7, the log jam was gone - likely washed out with the high water flows on the 5th. But an old debris jam was barely fish passable. On November 10, while doing the spawner survey, we cleared a passage around the debris jam (which was then not fish passable), cleared out debris which restricted fish passage elsewhere along the creek, and hauled six shopping carts out of the water. No fish were seen. November 18, 25, December 2, passage was all clear. Heavy rains and high water levels continued through the next three weeks. On December 22, a newly formed debris jam was blocking passage. We opened it up. The following day, we removed all the debris (including 4 shopping carts). We also hauled out 2 carts farther upstream. The problem with shopping carts is that they eventually wash downstream and become snagged. They then catch leaves and small branches which can catch bigger branches and other carts and so on. The debris jam can grow to become a wall or dam across the stream - an impassable barrier. By itself, natural woody debris usually remains fish passable - even when fallen trees or large branches form a dam in the stream. The wood tends to stay low, leaving access over the top or around one side. |