Lecture: Why Fish Need Water - Importance and Management

Introduction

Speakers: Tim and Tom
Topic: Importance of water for fish in the Couchiching and Coaxial watersheds
Key Concern: Ensuring fish have access to water when they need it

Question: Why release water in spring, not save for summer?
- Reason 1: Steelhead eggs are laid in gravel in late winter/early spring. Low spring flows can dry out these areas, killing the eggs.
- Reason 2: Chinook salmon fry emerge in March and require river edge habitats for feeding for 90 days. Low water levels can wash them out to sea prematurely.
- Reason 3: Coho smolts, living in rivers for a year, need side channels and pools to make their way to the ocean.
Importance of maintaining good flows in April, May, and June for salmon survival.

Misconception: Low water levels don't matter in summer due to absence of fish.
Reality:
- Coho, resident trout, and early run Chinook have important flow needs even in summer.
- Coho live in streams for a year, needing pool habitats for protection and food access.
- Trout and other species rely on riffle habitats.

Question: Why can't salmon wait in the estuary?
- Salmon swim upriver in fall to lay eggs, but climate change delays adequate water levels.
- Spawning delay can cause eggs to harden and become non-viable.
- Low water levels make salmon vulnerable to predators like seals and sea lions.
- Extreme cases require intervention such as transporting salmon by truck.

Concept of "Much stem oops" - everything is interconnected.
Healthy salmon populations are vital for community health and cultural sustainability.
Ensures future generations can fish and support community survival.

Importance of strategic water management to support fish population and community well-being.
Interconnection of ecological health and cultural identity.