Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)
$32,982.80

Historically, Chum Salmon returned to the Lower Columbia River (LCR) to spawn in both Washington and Oregon tributaries. Eventual overharvest combined with spawning habitat modifications caused Chum Salmon to decline in the LCR during the 20th century. Today, the most robust populations occur on the Washington side of the LCR, while most Oregon populations are functionally extirpated. Reintroduction efforts in Oregon are ongoing and supported by a conservation broodstock, habitat restoration projects, and outreach aimed at increasing awareness of Chum Salmon status in the state. These efforts are primarily focused in the coastal region where most Chum Salmon return to spawn volitionally. However, monitoring and outreach are needed in the other recovery populations (e.g., cascade region), especially as reintroduction efforts expand and recovery occurs. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective way to determine the presence or absence of rare species in a system without the laborious efforts and costs associated with physical surveys. Our project aims to 1) create an eDNA monitoring program for Chum Salmon in the cascade region; 2) partner with local watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, and local non-profits to source volunteers for sampling; and 3) define adult run timing, estimate fry production, and/or determine potential habitat restoration projects for Chum Salmon in unmonitored areas.