FABULOUS AUBURN RAVINE SALMON REPORT FROM SARSAS CITIZEN SCIENCE COORDINATOR JAMES HAUFLER!

FABULOUS AUBURN RAVINE SALMON REPORT FROM SARSAS CITIZEN SCIENCE COORDINTATOR JAMES HAUFLER! Baby Salmon Swarm in Auburn Ravine Last week Citizen Scientists from the Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead organization (SARSAS) were thrilled when they observed approximately 1000 young salmon in Auburn Ravine. Despite the low water conditions this season, dozens of 20” to 30” Chinook (King) Salmon successfully spawned in Auburn Ravine from November thru February. Their eggs have hatched and the baby salmon are now 1 to 1.5 inches long. They are still mostly schooling in the areas around their nests, but will soon begin their journey downstream to the Sacramento River and eventually the Pacific Ocean. Hopefully, most will make it to the Sacramento River before seasonal diversion dams block their progress. The water temperature is still cool enough for the young salmon to thrive, but if they do not get past the diversion dams, they will die when the water warms up later in the year. SARSAS continues to encourage the Nevada Irrigation District and the South Sutter Water District to modify their dams and irrigation systems to help baby salmon find their way to the ocean. Young salmon that survive this year’s journey to the sea will return to Auburn Ravine in 3 to 4 years. Auburn Ravine and its tributaries are closed to all fishing from October 15 through the fourth Friday in May to protect the salmon, steelhead, and trout. In the open season, bass, bluegill, and pike minnow may be caught and kept, but only trout or steelhead that were raised in hatcheries may be kept. See complete fishing regulations at www.wildlife.ca.gov. The Auburn Ravine section is 7.50(b)(12.5). For more information on protecting salmon and steelhead in Auburn Ravine, go to www.sarsas.org. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thank you, Jim James Haufler – Volunteer Citizen Science Coordinator Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead, Inc www.sarsas.org 101 Newbridge Court Lincoln, CA 95648 916-408-8109 (Home) 916-801-3669 (Cell)