Aquatic Resources

Downstream Migrant Transport Flow Evaluation

Tacoma Power
Using radio telemetry, Meridian biologists assessed the migration rates and survival of salmon and steelhead smolts as they moved through the lower 50 miles of the mainstem Cowlitz River. The effects of pulsed flows on the migration timing of each species were determined. We conducted all aspects of the study, including design, setup and maintenance of the telemetry arrays; radio tagging hatchery and naturally produced coho, Chinook and steelhead; mobile tracking; data analysis and reporting.

Bull Trout Limiting Factors Analysis

PacifiCorp Energy
Meridian designed and conducted a limiting factors analysis of bull trout in tributaries to Lake Merwin and Swift Creek Reservoir. We developed a set of physical habitat criteria for each life stage, and collected fish presence, water temperature, and habitat data to rate 16 streams based on these criteria. The Qualitative Habitat Assessment (QHA) method was applied to define limiting factors by life stage for each stream. Results of QHA were used to rank streams for potential bull trout restoration.

Resident Trout Limiting Factors Analysis

Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County
In cooperation with the University of Washington, Meridian biologists designed and conducted field studies for a resident trout limiting factors analysis in Spada Lake, collecting and integrating data on the fish species assemblage; the size, parasite load, and abundance of trout and brown bullhead; and fish forage base (zooplankton and neuston) distribution and abundance.

Fish Presence/Absence Surveys Using the WDNR Forest Practices Protocol

Forest Capital Partners
Meridian biologists conducted fish presence/absence surveys in eight northeastern Washington streams following the WDNR Forest Practices Board protocol. In addition to presence/absence surveys, we collected physical habitat data and assessed natural migration barriers and habitat upstream of man-made barriers to evaluate the potential for fish use if culverts were made passable.

Juanita Creek Habitat Enhancement Project Monitoring

City of Kirkland
Meridian conducted post-construction monitoring of physical fish habitat attributes associated with the Juanita Creek habitat enhancement project. The three-year monitoring program included collecting data on pool/riffle quality and quantity, substrate composition, and cover. We reported on fish species composition and relative abundance over the monitoring period, large wood placement functionality, and revegetation success.