Species Research & Monitoring - Aquatic & Riparian

Bull Trout Telemetry Studies

We follow the movements of adult bull trout, rainbow trout, and pygmy whitefish in the reservoir complex using acoustic telemetry techniques. We have installed an array of hydrophones in Chester Morse Lake, Masonry Pool, and several major river systems to detect acoustic transmitters implanted in individual fish as they move through the system.

This acoustic telemetry study evaluates the horizontal and vertical distribution of fish in the reservoir system; timing, duration, and frequency of individual fish spawning migrations; and timing of passage between Chester Morse Lake and Masonry Pool. Data from the study supports water management operations and provides necessary data to a bioenergetics modeling study currently being conducted by University of Washington scientists.

View a presentation on the progress of the Acoustic Telemetry Study on the bull trout species web page.

Scientists implant a transmitter in a sedated bull trout in the Cedar River Watershed.

The yellow hydrophone is attached underwater to a log. It detects fish with implanted transmitters as they swim past.

For more information contact
Dwayne Paige
(206) 233-1517
dwayne.paige@seattle.gov